Insurer targets costly chaos of wedding day

The one day you want everything to go smoothly, it could all go wrong. What if it rains? What if guests damage the marquee? Or you lose your rings?

There are any number of potential disasters when it comes to your wedding day, and while most events go according to plan, some unlucky couples experience the worst-case scenarios.

Now Kiwis can insure the big day so they have peace of mind should anything happen. Dream Wedding Insurance has launched New Zealand’s first wedding insurance website for couples getting married at home or overseas.

Co-founder Stuart Catt said the average cost of a wedding in New Zealand was more than $30,000.

Co-founder Graeme Dean said bridesto-be and grooms-to-be should consider insurance, as they handed over thousands of dollars in deposits to venues, caterers, florists and myriad other suppliers before tying the knot.

‘‘We believe that our customers feel much more relaxed on the lead-up to their big day, safe in the knowledge that we have them covered against the unexpected.’’

Policies cover cancellations, rescheduling, supplier failure, wedding transport, wedding attire, rings, gifts, marquee damage and public liability.

Covered by US insurers

Photographer’s camera bag containing several rolls of wedding pictures was stolen during the reception. Reimbursed: $3000.

Bride and groom held responsible for damaged carpet at reception. Reimbursed: $5523.81.

Hair and make-up vendors did not show up – and neither did the customer’s deposits. Reimbursed: $2320.