What is Wedding Insurance?

There is so much planning that goes into your wedding day - from the reception to the flowers to the cars to get you to the ceremony on time. With so many services to juggle, there is, unfortunately also a chance that something could go wrong.

The average cost of a UK wedding in 2023 was well over £20,000. Wedding insurance is there for you, if you should be faced with an unexpected extra bill. Losses due to damage, fire, theft, adverse weather or medical issues can all be covered.

Why do I need Wedding Insurance?

Wedding insurance provides you with financial protection for your special day. With so much to think about, the last thing you need is to find yourself with money problems because something has gone wrong.

There are a number of reasons why you might need wedding insurance which include:

• Cancellation or Postponement
  For example, if the wedding has to be cancelled due to severe weather as the majority of your guests cannot reach the venue, or the wedding is postponed due to the mother of the bride being involved in a car accident an sustaining injuries

• Problems with a supplier or the venue
  These can include if the venue is struck by lightening and damaged, or if the cake maker goes out of business

• Damage or loss of wedding items such as the wedding dress
  This may cover cleaning or a new dress if you bring the wedding dress home and spill tea down it, or replacements if your best man loses the wedding rings on the way to the church.

• Liability cover
  If you or one of your guests causes damage to the venue, you could be given a hefty bill for the repairs.

• To cover gifts in case of theft
  Wedding gifts can be expensive and very tempting for thieves. They can be covered at the venue amd often also when being transported in a car as long as they are not on display and the vehicle is locked.

• Redundancy If one of those who are financing the wedding is made redundant - that could be the groom, bride or one of the parents for example, then many wedding insurance policies can help.

• Overseas weddings Ceremonies taking place abroad can require taking out an extension to a policy. There can be added complications with transport and, in some cases, a higher instance of adverse weather.

When should I take out Wedding Insurance?

You should consider taking out wedding insurance as soon as you have parted with any significant amount of money. This can be sooner for some people than others but is likely to be well in advance of your actual wedding day. Many suppliers such as the venue and catering will ask for deposits as soon as you book which you may want to claim back from an insurer in the event you are forced to cancel.

What is not covered by Wedding Insurance?

• A change of heart. Cancellation is normally covered due to emergencies and unforeseen circumstances such as accidents or if the bride or groom is taken ill. Insurance will not cover you if one of you changes your mind about getting married.

• Pre-existing medical conditions are not usually covered. You may not be able to claim for postponement for medical treatment if it is for a condition that was previously known about.

• Unlicensed/Uninsured Suppliers. Make sure you are dealing with companies that have the correct licences and insurance policies in place to carry out their type of business

• Rain (sorry). Adverse weather conditions can be covered but these have to be severe rather than just miserable. Outdoor weddings may find that they have an exclusion for weather-related claims.

Is it worth getting Wedding Insurance?

It is not compulsory to take out wedding insurance but it does offer peace of mind.

For a relatively small cost compared with other wedding expenses, you can make certain your big day is as stress-free as possible.