What every couple planning a wedding needs to know

Photo:Asad Photo Maldives/Pexels

(StatePoint) -- Planning a wedding involves dozens of decisions made under tight deadlines, as well as agreements made with multiple vendors, including caterers, entertainers and florists.

Yet as we saw during the pandemic, plans can quickly go awry. Following are some tips on how to protect your big day from many unforeseen circumstances, based on Travelers claims data from recent years:

Do Your Research

It’s a sad reality that not all vendors keep their vows. Indeed, 19% of Travelers’ wedding insurance claims from August 2020 through July 2021 related to losses associated with vendors. For instance, florists went out of business, photographers never showed and bands broke up before the big day. Make sure you research vendors before signing contracts and making any deposits. Check with the Better Business Bureau, read online reviews, seek references and consider asking friends and family for personal recommendations.

Photo: cottonbro/Pexels

Keep Calm & Party On

When dozens, if not hundreds, of partygoers are dancing, eating and drinking, it can sometimes be a recipe for disaster. In fact, 11% of Travelers’ wedding insurance claims from last year were due to accidents and the damage that occurred. Encourage your guests to have fun – and be responsible – while they celebrate your special day.

Consult the Calendar

Mother Nature can be fickle and nothing is ever certain, but you can reduce your chances of bad weather ruining your nuptials by consulting the calendar. According to Travelers, 6% of last year’s wedding insurance claims were due to severe weather. If you are planning your wedding during a stormy season, create a contingency plan, especially if the area is known for extreme conditions. And if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, make sure you know how to pull it off if you have to move it indoors.

Protect Your Investment

Whether it’s a tropical destination wedding or a party in your backyard, insurance is a smart way to protect what can be a significant financial investment. And while COVID-19 is excluded, insurance can help with unexpected situations like severe weather, illness or injury, and even military deployment.

Wedding insurance is offered by insurance carriers like Travelers, a company with a long history of helping their customers when they need it the most. And with the average cost of a wedding in 2020 – heavily skewed due to the pandemic – amounting to about $19,000, according to The Knot.com, a Wedding Protector Plan can help provide peace of mind.

"Insurance is smart for weddings of all sizes, including events that span across an entire weekend, with a welcome reception, rehearsal dinner, the wedding and even a celebratory send-off brunch," says Kassy Westervelt, senior product analyst at Travelers. "We recommend couples choose a coverage level at least equal to the amount they might lose if their event had to be rescheduled at the last minute, considering purchases and deposits for things like the venue, gown, rings, caterers, entertainment, transportation, flowers, cake, invitations and more."

"Couples who are new to the wedding planning process may not be aware that their wedding can actually be insured, so we recommend you contact an insurance agent or visit our website to understand what it covers and how it can help," says Westervelt. "We also like to make sure couples understand that change of heart is not covered."

Your insurance agent can work with you to determine the coverages and policy limits that best fit your needs and budget. To learn more about Travelers’ no-deductible wedding insurance policies, visit protectmywedding.com.

For greater peace of mind around one of the most important days of your life, take steps to avoid and prepare for common wedding day mishaps.

Pimento cheese wheels, a cheeselicious recipe everyone will enjoy

(StatePoint) -- It’s become an annual tradition that as soon as we bid adieu to chrysanthemums, the cornucopias and the turkey dinner, the frantic countdown to Christmas begins. It's time to find the perfect Christmas tree and order the presents everyone wants to put under the tree. From the countless holiday soirees and batches of bulk baking, to battling the crowds in a futile attempt to secure the most sought-after toy, or remembering to move the elf each night, ‘tis the season to be exhausted.

This year, whether you’re hosting a yuletide bash or looking for simple and satisfying ways to feed the family, consider taking a break from the madness with "55 Days of Cheesemas," which offers not only a lineup of easy, cheesy and crowd-pleasing recipes, but also a chance to win daily prizes – many of which can help you in the kitchen this season.

After whipping up a quick, yet delectable appetizer or side dish, sit back and escape the day’s hustle and bustle with a virtual game certain to summon childhood Christmas fun by visiting 55daysofcheesemas.com. Navigate a fast-paced obstacle course as an elf to deliver cheese and you’ll receive the chance to win prizes daily from the Borden Cheese Delicious Delivery game, including an Instacart gift card for $500.00.

Need some simple entertaining ideas? Here is one sanity-saving, cheeselicious recipe that is guaranteed to delight tastebuds and impress guests.

Cheesy Pimento Wheels

These zesty, bite-sized, baked pinwheels are loaded with creamy pimento cheese, serving as the quintessential appetizer at any holiday celebration.

Ingredients:

Yields: 18 wheels
• 16 ounces Borden Shredded Cheese (Triple Cheddar, or any mix of Sharp, Mild or Monterey Jack)
• 4 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 4 ounces diced pimentos (drained)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black ground pepper
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 sheets puff pastry (thawed)

Directions:

1. Combine the shredded cheese with softened cream cheese and mayonnaise in a medium size bowl. Stir together to create a consistent texture.

2. Add the diced pimentos, salt and pepper, and stir.

3. Add the egg and water in a small bowl, and whisk to combine.

4. Brush the egg wash over the top of the puff pastry. Spoon the pimento cheese on top, spreading it out into a consistent layer.

5. Roll the puff pastry carefully to create a roll. Then gently slice the roll into 1-inch-long sections using a sharp knife.

6. Lay the rolls into a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat or foil. Make sure to not crowd the rolls or they will stick to each other while baking.

7. Bake for 20 minutes at the temperature indicated on the puff pastry package, until rolls are golden, and the cheese is bubbly.

8. Cool for about 5 minutes and then remove the rolls from the pan.

To find more inspiration for tasty sides, flavorful entrees and breakfasts for a crowd, visit bordencheese.com/cheesemas.

With crowd-pleasing recipe ideas and chances to win prizes, a season traditionally filled with soirees, shopping and stress can be made a little tastier and little more fun.