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'Prepped' for a wedding
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May 9, 2001: 11:04 a.m. ET
Insurance helps prepare for big day; vendor contracts key to avoid mishaps
By Staff Writer Luisa Beltran
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Wedding disasters come in all shape and sizes, from the no-show vendor to the summer rain shower that drenches the guests. But a little careful planning and preparation can help alleviate most worries.
Bad weather is the most obvious calamity that can befall a marriage ceremony. But a surprise hurricane, snow storm or a tornado isn't something a bride (or groom) can really plan for.
"The only thing you can do is research in advance and not book a wedding in key areas or times that have bad weather," advises Carley Roney, editor-in-chief of the popular wedding Web site The Knot.com.
Couples from Kansas and Oklahoma might choose to postpone getting hitched during tornado season (March through May), but many might not. For those trying to plan ahead in event of less severe storms, especially those having outside receptions, Roney recommends having a "Plan B" -- an alternate area such as a tent or an interior spot where the guests can celebrate.
Insurance?
The next step for wedding preparedness is to get insurance, which can help pay for potential mishaps. The average wedding costs about $15,000-to-$20,000, so it makes sense to pony up an extra $300 for a policy, Roney said.
Wedding policies are still somewhat rare, experts say. Most major insurance companies now offer one-day liability to cover potential damages to the reception hall on the Big Day.
More general wedding insurance, the kind that can cover lost deposits and ruined bridal gowns, are offered through the Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. and WedSafe Inc.
"As weddings grow more expensive, people are spending more money on different things," said WedSafe President Roger Sandau. "The desire to protect the investment has increased."
The 100-year-old Fireman's Fund began offering wedding policies in 1993. "Celebration Insurance," as the policy is now called, will provide coverage on small to large disasters, from ruined photos to a health emergency affecting a key guest.
Coverage starts at $195 but can shoot all the way to $3,000 for those who want an "Elizabeth Taylor"-style wedding, said Sue Lim, senior product manager for the company. Couples that own a home should check their homeowners policy to see if they are already covered in certain instances, a company spokesman said.
San Francisco-based Fireman's Fund will pay nonrefundable expenses (excluding a $250 deductible) when a rehearsal, wedding, reception or honeymoon must be cancelled or postponed due to problems beyond the client's control.
Reasons covered by the policy include, but are not limited to, sickness or injury to the bride or groom, or anyone essential to the wedding, as well as damage or an inability to enter the wedding premises. However, a change of heart is not covered, the policy states.
While Fireman's is a general insurance firm, WedSafe Inc. specifically targets the wedding market, offering flexible and affordable coverage.
Monterey, Calif.-based WedSafe offers two types of insurance. The first, a general wedding policy, will cover stolen gifts, ruined photos as well as cancelled or delayed weddings. Coverage starts at $139 and can hit $339, which will cover a $50,000 wedding, Sandau said.
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Don't just look up someone in the phone book. Make sure to meet with people, check references and see if they are a member of a professional organization.
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Carley Roney, The Knot |
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The second policy — general liability and property damage insurance —provides up to $1 million in general liability. At $150, the policy also protects the host against accountability when a drunk guest causes an accident.
"Insurance is in response to people spending a lot of money," Sandau said. "There is more exposure now than when it was just $2,000 plus cake and punch."
Vendors
Vendors, persons contracted to perform or provide a specific service, play an important role in any wedding. Missing flowers, or a limousine driver who fails to show up, can cause havoc for a prospective bride.
Research is the key to offset any potential disasters, advises The Knot.com's Roney. "Don't just look up someone in the phone book," she said. "Make sure to meet with people, check references and see if they are a member of a professional organization."
Couples also should make sure to get a contract for the various services or items a vendor is providing. If the vendor, such as a florist, doesn't provide a written agreement, you should write a letter outlining your expectations and get both parties to sign.
"You would be surprised how many people just have a phone conversation," Roney said. "Get everything in writing."
Couples should read the entire contract, making sure to notice how much of a deposit is required, what additional charges are included and the vendor's liability if he or she doesn't show.
"Most contracts should be easy to understand and written at an eighth grade level," said John Jones, CEO of Weddingvendors.com.
The more expensive the service, the more difficult the vendor contract is likely to be, he notes. In those case, it is best to get an attorney — a general practitioner — to read through it to ensure no hidden charges or glitches are contained in the contract.
Always check a vendor with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against him. Vendors that are having financial problems, or are close to bankruptcy, will usually leave a paper trail of complaints.
A final caveat: Never ever pay the vendor all he is owed before your wedding. "Don't pay any services in full until you receive them," Roney said.
Other disasters
A pimple on your forehead may be nightmare enough on the Big Day, but couples should also prepare for smaller hazards.
Couples often leave their money bags or gifts unattended at a wedding, providing easy access to a pile of money. Make sure that the gift area is well attended or hire someone to watch the money bag, Roney advises.
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 WORDS OF WISDOM
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Never pay a vendor all he or she is owed before your wedding.
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Her last tip? Never buy your wedding gown on the Web, no matter how good the sale might appear. Gowns can arrive late or you may have problems finding the right size. Vendors on the Internet can be located anywhere so it will make it harder to locate them and get recourse.
"Dresses can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 so it is not a time to do it blindly with someone that you've never met over the Internet," Roney said. "You need to put in the time and money to make sure you get the service you need." 
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