Tiny Details for Your Big Day: Home Weddings and Property Damage

Are you planning to say “I do” at your home? It’s not a bad idea – you could potentially save a lot of money by not renting a venue. At the same time, you could blow through those potential savings if a guest inadvertently breaks your toilet or TV.

Here’s what you need to know about home weddings and property damage. 

You don’t want Uncle Joe twisting his ankle in that driveway pothole you never bothered to fill. Nor do you want Aunt Edna leaving Fluffy and Fifi loose to cough hairballs all over your bridal train. 

Before your big day, perform a home inspection and address any areas of apparent hazard. If you can’t trust your 2-year-old second cousins to keep the bedroom door closed, hire a pet sitter or take your precious fur babies to a boarding center to protect them — and allergic guests. 

Leaking water can lead to mold and mildew, and trouble can worsen when more people use the facilities. You might also notice an unpleasant odor that you need to correct before guests arrive. 

Leaving these areas untreated can lead to disaster. The floorboards around your toilet could rot and cause a potentially embarrassing and costly accident. 

You don’t want to think that your guests might steal, but chaos can result when many people gather in a small space. Little kids often have curious fingers, and your cousin’s 3-year-old doesn’t know the sentimental value of your grandmother’s brooch. She only knows it looks pretty.

If you worry about things getting lost or stolen, secure them. Place smaller items in your household’s safe and secure all firearms with locks and hide them from sight. 

If you have a backyard ceremony, your guests can track mud on your rug when they use the restroom. Indoor events can mean red wine stains on your white couch. 

Use plastic runners to protect your Oriental rugs or hardwood floors from damage. You can use throw blankets and other stylish, washable covers to preserve your favorite armchair. 

You don’t want to end up with a claim that your insurance company denies for lack of coverage. For example, if you have a toilet overflow, your provider may not pay for damage minus a rider for water backup. 

Give your agent a call and inform them about your event. Ask them to review your policy and whether you should add to it for peace of mind. 

You can protect yourself from property damage when throwing a home wedding. Use the five tips above to create smooth sailing on your big day.