wedding insurance

What Canadian Couples Should Know About Wedding Insurance

The day that you exchange vows with your partner is one of the most important days of your life. First, there’s the fact that you’re committing to a union with the love of your life. You’re also investing significant time and treasure into this special day. Canadians, like those in many countries, purchase insurance to protect against losses and uncertainties, such as auto coverage for a homeowners’ policy. There are many things beyond your control leading up to and on the day of your union. You and your partner should strongly consider wedding insurance to cover unexpected losses.

What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?

No two marriage ceremonies are the same, and similarly, policies vary also from insurer to insurer. Wedding insurance generally offers the following coverage’s:

Liabilities:

  • Event liability: This covers injuries or property damage experienced by third parties (usually guests) for which you may be liable, including the ceremony, reception, and rehearsal dinner.
  • Host liquor liability: This provides protection for liquor-related damages, especially if serving alcohol at your home or in a venue that doesn’t have this coverage.
  • Venue or additional coverage: Some venues may require a couple to provide liability protection, in which case you could add the venue to the insurance coverage.

Cancellations

  • Loss of deposits: Vendors often require couples to pay non-refundable deposits to secure a booking. Your insurance can recover lost deposit money should a vendor go out of business and be unable to provide goods or services.
  • Event cancellation or postponement: This reimburses you for any nonrefundable deposits or unpaid installments due to cancellation or postponement.
  • Honeymoon cancellation: For destination ceremonies, this covers you for the loss of certain travel-related costs due to the cancellation of the wedding itself.
  • Photos and videos: This addresses additional expenses necessary for retaking photos and videos that cannot be recreated for any reason, including a no-show by a photographer or videographer.

Miscellaneous

  • Wedding attire: This coverage provides for losses and damages to clothes once in your care and custody. This is strongly recommended for expensive bridal gowns or valuable heirlooms.
  • Gifts and presents: This insures any physical damage to or loss of presents at a reception, home, or in transit. Many couples depend on these gifts for starting their life together, and the cost to replace these can be significant.
  • Rings and wedding bands: This addresses the loss and damage of rings or wedding bands.
  • Cakes, flowers, and other items: Your insurance policy can specifically address damages to cakes, floral arrangements, and other items crafted for your event. The costs of providing these items can be significant, so it’s worth considering for your nuptials.
  • Rented equipment: Many ceremonies and receptions are made possible through the rental of items such as shelters, tents, tables, chairs, and audiovisual equipment. This coverage insures rented items.

When deciding on coverage, be sure to inquire about the time period. Some coverage’s may only be necessary for the day of your nuptials. Other coverage’s may need to start in the days leading up to your wedding or end a few days after.

What Doesn’t Wedding Insurance Cover?

Generally, wedding insurance won’t cover cancellations due to “cold feet” or a change of heart. This is one reason you and your partner need to be sure of your intent to marry on your planned wedding day. An insurer may also not cover you for losses and damages that arise from known issues. Let’s suppose a family member has a health condition that could impact the date of your ceremony. You may not be covered if you have to postpone or cancel your big day.

For many couples, planning a marriage ceremony is symbolic of planning a life together. There are many details to account for and prepare for, especially for your nuptials. Consider wedding insurance to cover and protect your pockets from uncertainty and loss.  

Could the Coronavirus Affect Your Wedding? A Brief Situational Analysis

The rapid spread of the coronavirus is impacting many couples' wedding plans, so take these issues into consideration and remain flexible.

The rapid spread of the coronavirus is impacting many couples’ wedding plans, so take these issues into consideration and remain flexible.

As of March 30th, CNN reported over 700,000 coronavirus cases worldwide. Global News reveals there are over 7,000 confirmed cases in Canada, with 1,700 in Ontario and just under 1,000 in British Columbia. While governments all over the world decide how to handle the coronavirus outbreak, many people are concerned about how it affects their everyday lives. With summer and fall weddings just on the horizon, what could this epidemic mean for Canadian couples about to tie the knot?

Plan Extra Time for Your Wedding Attire

If you’ve already selected your attire, it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan. IBISWorld estimates that China’s apparel manufacturing industry generated $390 billion in 2019, but CNN’s Parija Kavilanz mentions that many production facilities have closed because of the outbreak. Around 80% of the world’s wedding gowns and formal dresses are made in China, along with a large percentage of suits, tuxedos, and other formal apparel. With some clothing retailers already facing a month delay in receiving new shipments, that could leave many nearlyweds and their attendants scrambling to find new attire.

Coronavirus Causing Food and Drink Shortages

The coronavirus pandemic impacts other parts of the global supply change, including food and beverage production. ABC News’ Kelly McCarthy details these disruptions, including factory closures, employee travel bans, and increased food quality control measures in the United States. How these actions could impact your reception food and drink remain to be seen, but it’s a good idea to talk to your caterer about your concerns and develop backup plans in case your first choices aren’t available.

Travel and Lodging Issues

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists dozens of countries with confirmed coronavirus cases. Some of the hardest-hit nations include China, Italy, Spain, Germany, Iran and the United States. Every European nation has reported cases, along with countries that are popular tourist destinations such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Australia, and Indonesia.

In the wake of the outbreak, the tourism and hospitality industries are feeling the effects. Hospitality Net columnist Ahmed Mahmoud mentions losses by several major chains such as Hilton, Wyndham, Hyatt, and Radisson. Major airlines have stricken many routes from their offerings and are operating at reduced capacity, severely reducing their revenue.

Naturally, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the news if your honeymoon location is in one of the affected areas and planned for the near future. Follow government-issued travel advisories and be prepared to cancel and adjust plans. If you’re using a travel agent, work with that professional to choose alternative destinations and itineraries. Keep in touch with your vendors and venues to remain updated about any impacts the outbreak has on your big day. Many countries and locales are issuing stay-at-home orders at this point, and many of those continue to be extended. Social distancing guidelines now extend at least through April 30th in the U.S.

Wedding Insurance Issues To Consider

With the outbreak threatening many industries, you’re probably tempted to buy wedding insurance if you don’t have it already. That’s a smart idea, but you need to know what you’re getting for your money. The Balance’s Mila Araujo lists typically covered losses such as venue closings, illnesses, and damage or lost attire. Some policies may not cover weddings outside of Canada, so confirm what your policy includes before you finalize your purchase.

As human beings, we tend to take many things for granted. However, the coronavirus epidemic is a serious reminder about the fragility of life and how much uncertainty is involved in our daily lives. Staying aware and considering alternative plans are both important as you arrange your wedding. In the meantime, don’t forget to take good care of yourself. With smart precautions such as washing your hands, avoiding people who are sick, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, and staying home if you are ill, you’ll hopefully protect yourself and those around you. In fact, you should probably stay home except for essential errands even if you are well in order to “flatten the curve.”