What is Wedding Insurance?

We all know someone who knows someone whose wedding had to be cancelled at the last minute, or who had a key supplier let them down on the big day. Horror stories they may be, but they do happen and the fact is that without wedding insurance in place that money is lost forever. When you consider that your wedding may be the most expensive thing you ever pay for, having insurance to protect that money seems like a bit of a no-brainer.

If you’re planning to take out wedding insurance, do so as soon as you start making bookings and paying deposits. Most insurers will let you take out a policy up to two years before your wedding.

What does Wedding Insurance Cover?

Most wedding insurance policies cover the cost of your wedding if it needs to be cancelled or rearranged in the following circumstances:

• Your venue has been damaged by fire, flood or another disaster
• The bride, groom, civil partner or a close relative (usually a parent, child, grandparent or sibling) dies, is ill or injured
• Any booked and paid-for professional suppliers do not turn up
• The wedding clothing is damaged beyond use
• You are made redundant at least eight weeks after buying your policy
• The officiating minister or registrar does not turn up
• Bad weather means the wedding party and guests cannot reach the venue

A wedding-insurance policy will also usually cover you for things that go wrong either before your wedding or on the day itself. This may include the following:

• The cost of arranging alternative suppliers if your chosen supplier lets you down
• The cost of replacing wedding attire that is lost or damaged
• The cost of replacing your photographs or video if the photographer does not turn up, or loses or damages the images
• The cost of arranging alternative transport to get you to and from the venue if your hired car cannot
• Cover for loss or damage to items including flowers, cakes, rings and gifts.
• Third-party liability, which covers any claims against you following an incident that results in an injury, or damage to someone else’s property
• Any deposits you have paid are also usually covered

If you have specialist requirements, for example insurance cover for a marquee or your wedding is taking place abroad, you can add on these elements to tailor your policy to your needs.

What does Wedding Insurance NOT Cover?

Wedding insurance does not cover you if your wedding is cancelled because you or your partner have a change or heart about getting married, or if you simply decide you can’t afford your wedding.

The following elements are also not usually covered by wedding insurance:

• Your honeymoon
• Your hen or stag party
• Goods or services that are poor quality or don’t meet your expectations

Every policy provider will also have different exclusions, such as pre-existing medical conditions and theft due to negligence, so make sure you check the documents carefully before you buy.

How Much Will It Cost?

Generally speaking, the more expensive your wedding is, the more expensive your policy will be. Most insurers offer tiered levels of cover that vary in cost, so work out how much your wedding is going to cost and make sure you choose enough cover. It’s worth shopping around to find a policy you’re happy with at a price you can afford.

Do I Need It?

There are a number of things that could go wrong and impact your wedding – most of which are beyond your control. Unless you can afford to lose the money you are spending on your wedding, it’s at the very least worth finding out the cost of wedding insurance and giving it serious consideration.