Hosting a Wedding or Large Event at Your Connecticut Home: The Insurance Checklist

Short answer: Your homeowners and umbrella liability usually covers a private party at your home, including social host liquor liability, but large weddings and fundraisers stretch it: hundreds of guests, tents, parking, vendors and in some cases fees or ticket sales. Buy a one-day special event liability policy for big events, require every vendor to carry insurance and name you as additional insured, use a licensed bartender or caterer for alcohol, and remember that Connecticut law makes it a crime to allow minors to possess alcohol on your property.

What your homeowners policy does

• Liability for guest injuries and property damage, typically including host liquor liability for social events where you are not selling alcohol.
• Exclusions may apply if the event is a business activity, charges admission, or is a fundraiser run by an organization. Ask before you plan a benefit at home.
• Your property: damage to your lawn, gardens and house from tent stakes, trucks and guests is generally not a liability claim; plan for it in vendor contracts.

Special event liability

A one-day event policy adds a separate liability limit for the event, often with liquor liability, and can cover cancellation or postponement for weather or vendor failure. Many venues and tent companies require it. It keeps a claim off your homeowners record.

Alcohol in Connecticut

• Use a licensed caterer or bartending service that carries its own liquor liability, and get a certificate naming you as additional insured. If alcohol is sold, permit rules apply.
• Under C.G.S. 30-89a, a person who owns or controls private property and knowingly, recklessly or with criminal negligence allows a minor to possess alcohol there can be charged with a crime, and civil claims can follow if someone is hurt. Plan who checks IDs.
• Arrange transportation and shuttle service for guests leaving late.

Vendors and their insurance

• Tent company, caterer, valet, band, lighting and fireworks or sparkler vendors should each provide general liability, workers' compensation and, for vehicles, auto liability.
• Valet parking needs garage keepers coverage for guests' cars.
• Ask for additional insured endorsements, not just certificates.
• Large tents often need permits and fire marshal inspection; check with your town.

Before the event

• Confirm umbrella limits and that the umbrella has no special event exclusion.
• Secure pools, docks and other hazards; staff them if guests will be nearby.
• Move valuables and jewelry out of guest areas; confirm scheduled jewelry worn at the event is covered.
• Tell neighbors and arrange parking that does not block roads or emergency access.

New England Insurance, an independent Connecticut agency in Bridgeport since 2012, arranges special event coverage and reviews vendor certificates for clients hosting at home. See umbrella liability or contact us.

General information, not legal advice.