What Is Covered On My Wedding Insurance Policy?

Shortly after a young woman gets engaged she begins making plans for the big day. There is the location, the flowers, the band, the food, the dress, the wedding party, the limos, the house of worship, and it goes on and on. Most weddings are in the planning stages for approximately one year. Can you even imagine after all that expenditure of energy that the venue closes down just prior to the big event? That brides and grooms not only have to sue to get back their deposit, but they need to scurry around finding another suitable site in which to hold their nuptials.
Well, believe it or not, that is exactly what happened to many couples who planned to have their weddings at 147 Front Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 between Jay and Pearl Streets in the trendy “Dumbo” area of Brooklyn.

One such bride actually posted, “Jilted by my wedding venue.” It is reported that the owner, Jason Stevens took the money and ran leaving brides without the needed resources to start the planning process all over again. Mr. Stevens is wanted for embezzlement and, as the owner of the establishment, he disappeared without paying over 35 employees and kept over 100 deposits totaling approximately $6K. The worst, however, was leaving his blameless staff to the wrath of untold numbers of brides and grooms shocked to learn what had happened.

All I can say is, if this is not an advertisement for wedding insurance, than I don’t know what is. Wedding insurance is exactly what it sounds like. It is an insurance policy which covers the event and financially protects the bride and groom against any misfortune or mishap. Such coverage is relatively inexpensive and can cost as little as $180. Most important, it can provide you with the peace of mind that if something like the following occurs, you will be able to recoup some if not all of the costs to reschedule some or all of your party:
• Weather
• A Missing Clergyman
• Missing Vendors
• Damage to the venue, venue out of business, fire, electrical or mechanical problems at the venue.

And there are even riders available for Military service if either the bride or groom is unexpectedly called to serve; gowns and tuxedos from stores going out of business or from damage, gifts against theft or damage, liability to cover injured guests, honeymoon cancellation.

Be advised, however, that failure to show due to cold feet is NOT covered!

By Karen Skoler, CPCU