Month: December 2022

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What is Wedding Insurance and Do I Need It?

wedding insurance checklist

You may have heard of wedding or event insurance, but is it necessary for you specifically? The short answer is YES!

Read on for the long answer.

What is Wedding Insurance?

Just like car insurance protects you if you have an accident, wedding insurance protects you if there is an accident or issue at your event. 

If you are getting wedding insurance, you will be purchasing Liability coverage. You will have the option of adding on cancellation or postponement coverage, but you cannot purchase that alone.

Liability Coverage:  Protects you against bodily injuries that occurred at your event and for damage to the venue’s property. If your Uncle Joe tends to drink a little too much and damages a light fixture, the insurance could cover the repair or replacement cost after your deductible is met. Or, if he slips and falls on the dance floor, the policy will cover his medical bills up to your selected limits. Venues often require minimum liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in aggregate.

Cancellation/Postponement Coverage: When, and only when, you are purchasing your liability coverage, can you also opt to purchase cancellation/postponement coverage. This insurance will reimburse you for deposits made to vendors if your event needs to be cancelled or postponed due to circumstances outside of your control, such as severe weather that prevents most guests or the honorees from attending. It also protects you in the event of a vendor bankruptcy. Some insurance companies include a Cancellation Coverage Package which also includes coverage up to a specified limit for loss or damage of photographs and video, gifts, special attire, special jewelry, and deposits if the wedding continues as planned. For companies that don’t include a whole Cancellation Coverage Package, you can often buy optional insurance riders for those particular circumstances.

via GIPHY

Luckily she’s okay, but sometimes people fall and really hurt themselves. Hope they have wedding insurance!

How Much Does it Cost?

Costs will vary depending on the amount of coverage you need, but also based on the venue, location, number of guests, and if there are certain extras (animals, bounce houses, firearms). On the average, a general liability policy providing up to $1,000,000 in coverage costs around $125-$150. Cancellation coverage is more expensive, and the cost increases with your coverage amount (i.e., the more of your wedding costs you want to insure, the higher the premium).  Cancellation can run from around $150 upwards of $1,000, on top of the liability coverage. 

Do I Need Wedding Insurance?

If you’re asking me, my vote is YES! Better safe than sorry – isn’t that what insurance is all about? Most venues require liability coverage so you won’t have a choice anyway.  If you do have a choice, Megan Hiltbrand, a wedding planner in Syracuse, N.Y., suggests buying liability coverage at a minimum. “The cost is a drop in the bucket compared to your total expenditure. I don’t see a reason not to have it.” If you are having a wedding in a backyard, then the homeowner’s liability or umbrella policy could cover events, but sometimes when alcohol is involved, extra host liquor liability coverage is necessary. Talk to the insurance provider to confirm your best course of action in that scenario. 

If you’re still questioning it, just read this Reddit post from someone who wishes she got insurance:

Where Do I Get Wedding Insurance?

Glad you asked! There are many different providers of wedding or event insurance and you should get quotes from multiple to ensure you’re getting what you need. Below is a list of a few companies to consider. This isn’t a sponsored post and I have no connection with any of these companies, just want to provide resources to make your life easier. 

1. Markel – Can be used for weddings or other events and came recommended by my venue. This is who I used and the cancellation coverage came with a package so I didn’t have to get a bunch of individual riders. Total cost was around $150 for liability and $200 for cancellation up to $15k.

2. WedSure – Made specifically for weddings with liability coverage from $125. Also includes change of heart insurance.

3. WedSafe – Offers a bundle deal to save 15% when you also purchase cancellation/postponement coverage with your liability coverage.

4. Travelers – No deductible and great for destination weddings.

Have any more questions about wedding insurance or a personal experience to share? Drop a comment below!

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Pros & Cons of the First Look

groom covers eyes as bride approaches him from behind for first look

Are you uncertain about whether or not you want to do a first look with your future spouse for your wedding day? We’ve provided a list of pros and cons to help you decide!

first look, groom facing away from bride
first look - bride and groom high five

PRO 1: You'll have more time for photos (read: less stress).

 Since you’ll have already seen each other, you can do some or all of your formal wedding portraits before the ceremony. As a bonus, you will probably get more photographs since you aren’t limited to the time between the ceremony and reception. Since you have more time, you can make sure to get all the pictures on your shot list.

CON 1: Your day will start earlier.

You’ll have to work with your photographer to ensure you are dressed and ready to go with enough time to get all the desired portraits taken before the wedding. Depending how early your ceremony is and how many people are getting ready with you, this could result in your hair & make-up artist charging an early arrival fee. 

PRO 2: You get to see each other for the first time privately.

A quiet moment together before the wedding is something special that you can cherish. If being the center of attention is not your thing, this is one moment of the day where not all eyes have to be on you.  If you’re worried that the groom won’t be as genuinely emotional if he sees you beforehand, remember that him watching you walk down the aisle is more than about seeing you in your wedding gown. It’s an experience that is going to trigger all the feelings and emotions as you share such a sacred moment.

CON 2: You could feel awkward since it's not candid.

Since the photographer is there for the sole purpose of documenting your reactions at the reveal, it could feel a little awkward. If you prefer to not see each other until the altar, all those photos will be naturally candid. 

PRO 3: It can ease the jitters.

Seeing each other before the ceremony can help take the edge off. This is your life partner and you will be naturally comforted by the fact you are able to be with each other before the biggest party you will ever host. 

CON 3: You will break with tradition.

Traditionally speaking, it is bad luck if the groom sees the bride before the wedding. Even if you are not superstitious yourself, it could upset more traditional family members (but I am a big proponent of planning your day for the two of you and not based on others’ opinions).

PRO 4: You will have more time to spend with your guests.

If you take some or all of your formal portraits before the ceremony, you can actually attend some or all of your own cocktail hour! There are so many obligations during the wedding day and you may feel that you don’t have enough time with each guest. How many weddings have you been to where you’ve barely spoken with the bride and groom? If it’s important to you to ensure you get time with everyone, getting photos done beforehand is key.

CON 4: Your bridal party and family may get bored or tired.

Since your family and/or bridal party will also have to be ready hours before the event actually starts, they could get bored when they are not in the photos and they could get tired early from being on their feet most of the day. Try to ensure there is seating available for people who aren’t actively being photographed and plenty of water bottles to go around. 

Two First Looks?

It’s fairly common to do a first look with your future spouse. Something new that is gaining in popularity is doing a first look with your dad. If you have the time and the logistics work out, consider this special father-daughter moment. It’s sure to make him beam with pride (and shed a bunch of tears if your dad is anything like mine 😉 ). 

What Did You Decide?

Did you have a first look or did you wait to see your partner until the altar? Share your experience and perspective in the comments below! 

Need help organizing your wedding day schedule? Our Wedding Day Timeline Creator is here to help! This product includes space to add timelines for the bride, groom,  bridesmaids, groomsmen, family, and up to ten different vendors!