From storms to wardrobe malfunctions and flopped cakes to AWOL suppliers, there are myriad obstacles that stand between a couple on their wedding day and the perfect execution of the most important day of their lives. Waves of COVID-19 and related lockdowns have also seen tens of thousands of couples forced to postpone their weddings over the last two years, leading to major losses for both them and the suppliers and venues who were set to help them mark the occasion.
Though there are plenty of insurance options available to cover expenses related to pets, cars, homes and lives, none catered for losses associated with mishaps or cancellations at weddings – leading Wedding & Floral Designer Zavion Kotze-Brereton to develop I Do Insure. “In more than a decade in the industry, I’ve seen it all go wrong: from venues liquidating the day before a reception to a guest setting a table alight – and even the event photographer having their camera stolen out of their car, with the one-off photographs disappearing along with it,” says Kotze-Brereton. “We want couples to be able to relax and enjoy their day, safe in the knowledge that they’re covered for the worst that life can throw at them on the day as they prepare for their life together”.
The four I Do Insure packages – based on the pillars of marriage: Patience, Integrity, Respect and Adoration – cover couples for a variety of wedding mishaps, safeguarding what, for many, is the most special – as well as most expensive – day of their lives. The policies are provided by Genesis Insurance Brokers in partnership with iTOO Special Risks and underwritten by The Hollard Insurance Company Limited. The packages cover 11 categories, including cancellation, curtailment and rescheduling, through attire & rings, cars & transport, supplier failure and photography & video.
“The cover has a specific section that caters for challenges specifically arising from COVID-19 infections, complications and losses in the direct wedding party – something that was hugely important for us to include,” says Kotze-Brereton. “While that will be top of mind for many at the moment, there are so many other aspects of the wedding and reception that need to be covered, which people don’t even think about. Our industry is geared toward providing people that one-off magical day that sends them off into their future together – and we always strive to do everything we can to make sure that they only have the best memories of it”.
For more about I Do Insure, visit www.idoinsure.co.za or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
