john foreman
Weddings often carry a sense of wonder—beautiful spaces, meaningful rituals, and gatherings of people you love. But alongside the joy is a reality few couples pause to consider: what happens when the unexpected threatens it all?
On a recent episode of The Wine and Dine Me Podcast, I sat down with John Foreman, principal of KSA Insurance, to tackle the subject most couples—and many planners—prefer to avoid: wedding and event insurance.
Listen to our full conversation via Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
The Fine Print Behind Venue Requirements
One of the most common points of confusion comes when a venue requires a client to purchase insurance. Couples often assume this coverage protects the event itself. In reality, the policy exists to defend the venue. If a guest damages property or an accident occurs, the venue wants assurance that its own policy won’t be on the line.
That leaves couples exposed. Lost deposits, ruined dresses, or a vendor who fails to show up—none of these are covered by the venue’s minimum requirements.
Why the “Easy Policy” Isn’t Always Enough
Many venues recommend online carriers offering $75 policies with quick approval. While convenient, these often cap coverage at $250,000. That may sound like plenty until you consider the scale of a half-million-dollar wedding. Anything beyond the cap requires deeper underwriting—and a trusted insurance partner who can navigate the details.
When Insurance Saves the Day
John shared a real example that puts the value into perspective. For one couple, an $800 policy turned into a $150,000 reimbursement when a hurricane forced a full cancellation. Without that coverage, every vendor payment and catering deposit would have been lost overnight.
It isn’t just weather. Vendor bankruptcies, dress shops closing without notice, or even a planner’s professional judgment call gone wrong can all leave couples and businesses facing financial loss. Insurance provides a lifeline when the unthinkable happens.
What Planners Need to Know
For planners, insurance isn’t just about advising clients. Professional liability is critical—coverage that goes beyond general liability to protect against errors in judgment. If a planner recommends a venue that later floods or fails, professional liability can be the difference between a setback and a lawsuit that jeopardizes the entire business.
The same applies when working with teams. W-2 employees and 1099 contractors are handled differently in terms of liability and workers’ comp, and misunderstanding those differences can leave business owners vulnerable.
Emerging Risks: Cyber Insurance
Another growing area is cyber insurance. As John explained, hackers now intercept invoices, swap banking details, and trick clients into wiring payments to fraudulent accounts. For firms handling large deposits or frequent transfers, cyber coverage has become essential protection.
Why It Matters
Most couples wouldn’t dream of building a home without insuring it. Today, weddings can carry a similar investment—yet too often, insurance is overlooked until it’s too late. Protecting the event, the financial commitment, and the people involved isn’t just smart. It’s necessary.
As John reminded us, “Nobody wants the cheapest coverage at claim time.” The real value of insurance comes not in the policy itself, but in the peace of mind it delivers.
If you would like to talk with us about planning your next event, HERE.
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