Do You Need Wedding Insurance?

Kirstin Patzer

Weddings can be a big expense. Anytime we spend a very large amount of money, there is the option and recommendation to consider insurance. Weddings are no different. We want to help answer your questions about wedding insurance - what it covers, why it’s important and when to get it.

We went straight to the source and got all the details. Will Smith (no, a different one) is the owner of W. W. Smith Insurance in Swift Current and he was kind enough to answer all of our questions about wedding insurance.

DETAILS: What is covered under basic wedding insurance?

SMITH: The wedding product we have access to is called Weddinguard and it’s an all-in-one package [including]

· Wedding Cancellation: Reimbursement of deposits paid or contracted to be paid because of unexpected cancellation of the wedding. · Honeymoon Cancellation: Will reimburse if Insured suffers a loss of pre-paid, non-refundable cost of travel due to the cancellation of the actual wedding. · Loss deposits: Will pay for non-refundable deposits made to providers of any booked goods or services if they suffer financial failure. · Wedding photos and video: Payment of the extra expenses necessary to retake the photos if they cannot be reproduced for any reason including non-appearance of the photographer. · Bridal attire: Coverage for physical loss or damage to the bridal attire once the property is in the care of the Insured. · Wedding Gifts: Insurance for direct physical loss of or damage to wedding presents (24 hours prior to and after the wedding) while property is at the couples’ home or reception location or in transit between the two. · Rings: Covers physical loss or damage to wedding bands. Coverage starts 7 days prior to the wedding. · Wedding Cake and Flowers: Direct physical damage or loss to the wedding cake or flowers seven days prior to the wedding. · Wedding Stationery: Physical damage or loss to the wedding stationery prior to the wedding. Includes invitations, RSVP cards, menus and name cards. · Rented Property: Reimbursement of direct and physical damage to rented property used during the wedding reception. It includes, but is not limited to, temporary outdoor shelters, such as tents or marquees, tables and chairs, stages, audio and visual equipment.

DETAILS: What is not covered?

SMITH: Cold Feet is not covered. The specifics to what is covered and what’s excluded start to get ‘wordy’. For additional details on what is covered under Weddinguard contact W.W. Smith Insurance Ltd. We’d be happy to answer any questions.

DETAILS: What is the price range? And what factors affect the cost?

SMITH: Weddinguard has 4 different tiers of coverage: Silver, Gold, Diamond and Platinum. [Prices range from $270 to $1200, with the difference being increased coverage limits].

DETAILS: What has changed since the pandemic started?

SMITH: When applying for the Weddinguard policy there

is a waiver that any COVID related incidents will not be covered.

DETAILS: When should insurance be purchased?

SMITH: This policy must be sent in 3 days prior to the ceremony; however, you can apply for this policy up to a year in advance.

DETAILS: Does a homeowner or tenant insurance policy cover a wedding?

SMITH: You can add wedding bands to your home or tenant policy, which is strongly advised. Wedding attire and other belongings may be covered under your home or tenant policy. (A claim under your home or tenant policy could be subject to a high deductible and may affect policy premium).

DETAILS: What are the most common claims?

SMITH: I’ve witnessed anything from a wedding dress getting damaged during the dance party, to photos not turning out and even a cake not making it to the venue. Insurance can’t always protect the day, but it can salvage the memories. DETAILS: What do you wish couples knew about wedding insurance?

SMITH: Our personal experience is that weddings are expensive! Adding yet another cost isn’t ideal. But consider this: as your wedding planning becomes more complex and you get more people involved in the process, mistakes can and will happen. Just know that there is an insurance product out there for you, should you need it.

DETAILS: What are your recommendations?

SMITH: When you’re planning your wedding, be cognizant of the risks that you’re introducing. If costs of items are getting high or wedding activities are [becoming] a concern, it might be time to think about insuring against those risks.

To further discuss Wedding insurance in Saskatchewan, Smith can be contacted at:

W. W. Smith Insurance Ltd Website: wwsmith.ca Email: insurance@wwsmith.ca Text: 306-900-5455 Phone: 306-773-1547

Hi, my name is Amanda and I have owned Trends Hair and Nail Studio for 9 years now, independently for 3. I have been doing hair for ten years and have loved every day of my career! On top of regular days at the salon I do hair for weddings, grads, and all other special occasions. It is always a blessing to be a part of someone’s special day.

Not only do I do hair for local weddings, but I am willing to travel. I have done hair for events in Assiniboia, Gravelbourg, Cypress Hills and more. Whatever your hair goals are, I am with you every step of the way! From trials to fresh colours the week before to hanging with you and your party on the day of!

If you’re in need of a make up artist, check out my bestie at Backstage Beauty! Not only will you be stunning once we’re done, but you’ll have a blast hanging out with us too!

#4 - 244 1st Ave NE, Swift Current, SK | 306.773.7500