Wedding Insurance – Are you covered?

You’ve said yes to the “big question,” and have invested countless hours and money to prepare for your “big day.” What will you do if the unexpected arises?

Disasters can hit. You may lose your venue and consequently your deposit. You may find your gown, tuxedo or gifts damaged or stolen. You may need to postpone due to bad weather, or vendors canceling last minute. What are your options?

With weddings come unforeseen circumstances. With unforeseen circumstances come additional costs, headaches, and lost investments. Nevertheless, wedding insurance can protect you. Costing anywhere from $125 to $550, coverage can protect a couple’s investment in venue, attire, rings, lost or damaged gifts, photos, videos, deposits, etc.

When catastrophes happen, you may lose deposits, postpone your wedding, and pay for additional, unexpected costs. Venues and rehearsal sites can close down due to inclement weather and natural disasters. Vendors (i.e. caterers, minister, florists, photographers, videographers, DJs) may cancel at the last minute or not show, forcing you to find replacements. The bride or groom can be called into military duty or last minute corporate relocation. Wedding insurance can cover your costs with supplemental policies to protect costs associated with the honeymoon.

Insurance usually doesn’t cover costs associated with canceling the wedding due to cold feet or change of heart. Nor does it cover lost or damaged engagement rings or gemstones and pearls.

Investing in insurance is important to protect your investment and keep your peace of mind, but don’t pay for overlapping coverage. Many times, vendors and venues already have their own coverage. Ask questions and find out about existing policies.

In addition, each policy is different. Read the small print. What does “bad weather” coverage mean? Does it cover rain, wind, and/or blizzard? What sicknesses and injuries are covered? Does it refer to cold, flu, surgery, broken bones, and/or disease? Talk to your agent; get a thorough understanding of what’s covered and what’s not.