Wedding insurance explained - what you need to know and what does wedding insurance cover?
In wondering what to create for my first ‘wedding tips’ blog post, I decided to go for something fairly boring and unglamorous (sorry!)
BUT - I cannot stress the importance of purchasing wedding insurance during Wedding Planning enough, regardless of budget or size of wedding.
When planning out that budget – be sure to add this to the top of your list!
It was reported in 2024, that the average cost of a UK wedding had reached nearly £21,000. We wouldn’t drive a car uninsured, or go on holiday without at least having some sort of cover. But, when it comes to Wedding insurance, a huge number of couples decide not to cover their day, expecting everything to run smoothly. Which, more often than not it does. (thankfully!) But, if things don’t quite happen as you plan, the loss could be devastating, both emotionally and financially.
Image by Sawyer & Co
OK – SO LETS TRY AND EXPLAIN THE MYSTERIES OF WEDDING INSURANCE IN BASIC TERMS AND EXACTLY WHAT DOES WEDDING INSURANCE DO AND COVER?
With policy prices ranging anywhere from £50 for a small wedding budget, to £500+ for your larger more extravagant events, it’s a small portion of your budget for peace of mind. As an idea, I usually add around a £100-£150 budget for £20-30,0000 weddings.
Most insurance companies will cover you for up to 2 years, so taking a policy out right at the beginning of your planning journey is highly recommended. It’s a one-off payment, and usually covers any purchases related to your wedding, regardless of whether you take the policy out before or after booking suppliers, venue or items within 2 years.
Every single policy is different. This article is not to provide legal advice, or to cover every eventuality or policy. But, if you need some advice on where to start I hope you find this a useful place! Always read the small print and seek legal advice on your own policy wording. The aim of this is to introduce you to what wedding insurance can cover in a normal situation, why it’s important and what to look out for.
GENERAL AREAS YOUR WEDDING INSURANCE POLICY SHOULD COVER:
Postponement or cancellation of the Wedding day due to accident, illness or bereavement– this usually applies to those in your immediate family, bridal party and yourselves only. Not all your guests.
If the venue cancels on you – due to bankruptcy or flood/fire situation
Supplier failure – either through let down on service, failure to supply or damaged goods on arrival.
Damage to attire – covering the Brides dress, bridesmaids or grooms party, whilst they are damaged in your possession. This can cover purchased and hired clothing.
Loss of Wedding rings – this often comes with a time frame, so be careful when reading the small print. Engagement rings are not usually covered and will require separate insurance, usually your own home contents insurance for which it would likely need to be listed separately on.
Retaking of photographs – be aware you cannot claim for feeling the photographs are just not very good, or if shots of certain people are missing. This would cover failure to supply the photographs as a whole and likely cover the costs of getting dressed up to retake some new photographs.
Your personal liability & any legal expenses – this will not cover accidents or damage caused by anyone else at the wedding, excluding the couple. Public liability is covered below, for which this would cover.
YOU CAN THEN USUALLY TAKE OUT ADDITIONAL INSURANCE SHOULD YOU REQUIRE IT, BUT THIS ISN’T OFTEN COVERED AS STANDARD:
Marquee cover – If you were erecting your own marquee on land which was not that of the marquee owners. Marquee insurance can cover not just the marquee, but the furniture contents as well. If it were a marquee linked to your venue, it would likely be covered by your venue. But always best to check.
Ceremonial swords – high value items. You will likely need to state the days in which you will have them for.
Public liability – this would cover your guests if they were to injure someone or damage the property. I always recommend adding this on to any policy if not already included.
Remember - cover only what you need. Check your policy isn’t adding on little extras to rack up the fee.
TO BE AWARE OF WHAT IS NOT USUALLY COVERED:
Cold feet often referred to at ‘disinclination to get married’ – you cannot claim if you call off the wedding.
You can’t afford to go ahead with the wedding day – unless there is a change in circumstances you were not aware of at the time of booking – I/E. redundancy.
Theft of items left unattended.
Cancellation or postponement due to pre existing conditions, including those of your wedding party.
Destination wedding – this is a separate policy and is not covered as standard.
The honeymoon – would fall under travel insurance.
THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS WHICH OFFER SOME LEVEL OF COVER, BUT THESE BY NO MEANS OFFER THE SAME SUPPORT:
Your credit card – any purchases over £100 and up to £30,000 are covered under Sections 75 to help you get your money back if something were to go wrong.
Your home insurance – Your contents insurance may cover items you have in your home prior to the wedding. But this should be checked.
The best place to start is on a comparison site – there are a lot of companies offing Wedding insurance, and stick with a reputable, well know and established company.
With Love
Laura Beth x
