Insuring for Wedding Weather Disasters

>more on how to plan a destination wedding

(ARA) - We've all heard the horror stories. Everyone knows someone who planned the perfect wedding for months only to have it derailed by events beyond anyone's control. Mother Nature may not cooperate on the wedding day, causing havoc and financial headaches.

"This time of year ice storms are causing power outages and highway closures along the east coast and center states. You never know what can happen,"says Robert Nuccio, exclusive program administrator for the Fireman's Fund wedding insurance program. According to Nuccio, there is something you can do to protect yourself and your investment -- it's called wedding insurance.

Wedding Day Horror Stories

But if you don't live in an earthquake zone and you aren't getting married during blizzard season, do you really need it? Here are just some of the situations encountered by Nuccio.

The day before the wedding a pregnant tabby cat settled onto the wedding gown and gave birth to a litter of kittens. The company found a seamstress to make a new dress overnight, and the $1,000 cost was covered.

Another situation involved a bride's younger brother. On the morning of the wedding, the three-year-old decided the all-white wedding dress seemed too plain. He got out his finger paints and created a masterpiece -- on the dress. The wedding had to be cancelled and rescheduled and the cost was covered.

On another occasion, neither the bride and groom nor any of the guests were able to get to a wedding in Dallas. The secret service had closed most of the downtown area because the president was in town. The event had to be rescheduled, and costs for a completely new wedding were covered.

Tips if You're Considering Wedding Insurance

Nuccio has the following advice for couples planning weddings and considering wedding insurance:

* More and more event facilities, including hotels, restaurants, historic homes and country clubs, are requiring proof of liability insurance from the hosts of an event. Those reserving space for weddings or any large celebration should read the contract in advance. The facility staff may neglect to mention that a certificate of insurance is required until a week or two before a function. Nuccio recommends taking care of this in advance; but if time is short, wedding insurance can be purchased over the phone.

* Financial security is another major reason to consider wedding insurance. The average cost for a wedding these days is considerable, usually around $20,000. From the nonrefundable deposits for the facility, to commitments to caterers, florists and photographers, not to mention wedding attire, there are thousands of dollars at stake. If a wed"Think of it this way," explains Nuccio, "could you afford to put on the wedding a second time?"

* Especially this time of year there could be a weather or emergency situation that could cause a cancellation. "It wouldn't necessarily have to be a tornado or snow storm," says Nuccio. "It could be an accident on the highway that prevents people from getting to the ceremony; or an airport closure in another part of the country that prevents the groom from arriving on time."

A wedding insurance policy starts at $195, and depending on the options selected by the purchaser, it will cover cancellation and postponement, additional expenses (such as if the caterer doesn't show up and you have to pay double to another one at the last minute), special attire in case anything happens to the dress or tuxedos, photography in case something happens to the pictures, and rental property in case of damage during a wedding party. Almost the only contingency not covered is a change of heart. Nuccio calls it "the cold-feet exclusion."

No two weddings will be alike. Fireman's Fund offers the only customizable package policy available in the United States. Also available is celebration coverage for a number of other occasions including bar mitzvahs, reunions, birthdays, engagements and even baby showers. For more information call (800) Engaged or go to RVNuccio.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content