by Christie A. Brogan {6.2.17}
Why buy event insurance? This question comes up about once a year and (for us) is typically a topic of conversation in the aftermath of a tropical storm or hurricane sailing past our coastal community in Wilmington, NC. Considering yesterday marked the start of Hurricane Season 2017 (June 1st to November 30th), I decided to get ahead of the storm (a little “pun fun”) and share some thoughts for those of you in the wedding planning process.
Weather is just one reason to consider buying event insurance. The #1 reason, of course, is “peace of mind”…peace of mind for all the “un-forseeables and un-controllables”. After seven years and hundreds of weddings and events, one thing I can say with certainty is that sometimes these things happen. The most skilled and seasoned Wedding Planner cannot prevent airport closures or the location a storm makes landfall or lost rings or a shuttle service short on drivers. They can help trouble shoot and problem solve, but they can’t prevent those “un-forseeables and un-controllables”.
(Photos courtesy of Matt McGraw Photography)
A quick Google search for “wedding and event insurance” provides an array of available options from some very recognizable companies. Often times the coverage can be added to an existing policy…so you can even start with a phone call to your insurance agent. As weddings have become more intricate so has the available coverage. Coverage options include: weather emergencies, cancellations or post-ponements, alcohol liability, lost deposits, and lost jewelry…to name a few.
The #1 thing you notice about these policies? The coverage is affordable. Considering couples spend an average of $35,000 on their wedding in 2017, this nominal investment for some “peace of mind” is kind of a no-brainer. As with all documentation relating to your wedding plans, read it. Get clear on the coverage, deductibles, and any other fine print. This coverage should compliment the contracts and agreements you have with your venue and other wedding vendors so, again, read the fine print. Understand the cancellation policies, restocking fees, “Acts of God”, and any other verbiage that will impact the dollars you are spending on your big day. If your wedding is being held in a location prone to “weather” issues, it will definitely be worth the investment.
With a little “peace of mind” in your pocket, get planning.
___________________________________________________________
Christie Brogan {Co-Founder & Partner – 128 South and Bakery 105 in Wilmington, NC. Entrepreneur, Event Planner, Wedding Geek, Writer, Business Innovator, Idea Maker, Boot Camp Betty, Yoga Nut, Animal Lover, Avid Reader}