Wedding Insurance: Should You Buy It?

Wedding insurance is a type of special event insurance that offers financial protection for issues related to your celebration. It is a contractual, financial agreement that protects you against monetary losses in the event that your wedding day is unexpectedly cancelled or affected by unforeseen circumstances. Wedding insurance typically covers property damage, bodily injury, alcohol-related accidents, extreme weather, unexpected illness, military leave, and issues with vendors. It can also provide liability coverage and protect against cancellations or postponements due to circumstances beyond your control, such as extreme weather, illness, injury, or vendor issues. The cost of wedding insurance varies depending on factors such as the number of guests, coverage types, deductibles, and policy limits, but it typically ranges from $75 to $550 for a basic policy. It is recommended to purchase wedding insurance as soon as you start planning your wedding and placing deposits to ensure you have the necessary coverage in place.

Wedding insurance covers unforeseen circumstances

Wedding insurance is a contractual, financial agreement that protects you against monetary losses in the event that your wedding day is unexpectedly canceled or affected by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.

It covers a range of unforeseen circumstances, including:

Venue Cancellation

This includes floods, fires, or financial problems at the venue that prevent it from honoring your booking. This typically falls under 'cancellation cover' in the insurance document.

Illness, Accident, or Death

This coverage applies to key members of the wedding party or close family members. It covers situations where the couple, maid of honor, best man, or close family member is taken ill, as long as it is not linked to a pre-existing medical condition. It also covers accidents or death, as well as unexpected jury duty or military deployment.

Extreme Weather Conditions

In most states, an extreme weather policy must be purchased at least 14 days before the event.

Supplier No-Show or Damaged Goods

If a supplier doesn't show up or provides damaged goods, such as dead flowers or a damaged wedding cake, you should be covered. However, a written agreement with the supplier is vital for making a successful claim.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Items

This includes wedding bands, wedding cakes, flowers, wedding attire, and gifts. However, gifts left unattended are typically not covered.

Wedding Photograph or Video Faults

If there is a technical fault with your wedding video or photos, you will be covered. The insurer should cover the costs of rehiring outfits and reshooting key images. Note that this does not apply if you simply don't like the photographs or the photographer's work.

Personal Liability and Legal Action

If damage is caused to the venue or a third party is injured, you should be covered. However, if the accident is caused by a guest, you will not be covered. Legal costs for the couple in case of court action due to an event at the wedding that causes death or injury are also typically covered.

It can protect against vendor cancellations

Wedding insurance is a contractual, financial agreement that protects you against monetary losses in the event that your wedding day is unexpectedly canceled or affected by something out of your control. It is a type of special event insurance that provides coverage for wedding mishaps and unforeseen problems.

Wedding insurance covers vendor no-shows and cancellations. Essential wedding people such as the caterer or the officiant may fail to show up, or vendors may not fulfill their contractual obligations. Wedding insurance covers the cancellation or postponement of the wedding in these cases, including deposits paid to vendors. It also covers additional and unexpected expenses that may arise as a result, such as replacing a damaged wedding cake or spoiled food.

If you are worried about vendors not showing up or fulfilling their obligations, wedding insurance can offer peace of mind and protect your financial investment in your wedding. It is recommended to get wedding insurance as soon as possible, especially because the wedding industry uses non-refundable contracts.

It can cover damage to wedding attire

Wedding insurance is a contractual, financial agreement that protects you against monetary losses in the event that your wedding day is unexpectedly cancelled or affected by unforeseen circumstances. It covers the wedding venue, vendors, wedding items, and sickness or injury before or during the wedding day.

Wedding attire is an important component of the overall wedding experience, and it can be quite costly. Wedding insurance can provide coverage for damage to the wedding attire, including the wedding dress and suits. Here are some scenarios where wedding insurance can be beneficial:

Accidental Damage

Accidents can happen at any time, and they can be costly if not insured. For example, damage to the wedding dress while putting it on, a spilled drink on a bridesmaid's dress, or enthusiastic dancing that results in a torn suit. Wedding insurance can cover the costs of repairing or replacing these items.

Theft

Wedding dresses and accessories are valuable items that may attract thieves. Wedding insurance can provide coverage if these items are stolen, giving you peace of mind.

Supplier Going Out of Business

Imagine finding the perfect dress, ordering it, and then discovering that the supplier has gone bankrupt before your wedding. Wedding insurance can cover the costs of last-minute replacements, ensuring that your special day isn't ruined.

Transit Damage or Loss

If you're travelling with your wedding attire, there's always a risk of damage or loss during transit. Wedding insurance can cover the costs of mending or replacing these items, ensuring that your attire is in perfect condition for your big day.

Failure of Suppliers

In addition to the supplier going out of business, there's also the possibility of late deliveries or other issues. Wedding insurance can provide coverage if your wedding attire doesn't arrive on time or is not as expected, allowing you to make alternative arrangements.

It's important to note that wedding insurance policies vary, and not all eventualities are covered. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the specific coverage provided by your chosen policy.

It can cover the cost of postponement

Wedding insurance is a contractual, financial agreement that protects you against monetary losses in the event that your wedding day is unexpectedly cancelled or otherwise affected by something out of your control. It is a type of special event insurance that provides coverage before and leading up to the wedding.

Wedding cancellation or postponement insurance will reimburse you for costs incurred if you have to call off or postpone the ceremony due to circumstances beyond your control. This includes extreme weather, injury, illness, or an issue with a vendor.

For example, if a hurricane hits your beachfront venue the week before your wedding and it's too damaged to hold the event, wedding insurance can cover the cost of postponement. Similarly, if your caterer goes bankrupt and you can't find a last-minute replacement, wedding insurance can help cover the costs of rescheduling.

Wedding insurance typically covers particular circumstances, but you can also purchase optional insurance riders to get additional coverage. For instance, you can buy a rider for military service that covers the costs of rescheduling if you or your partner are in the military and are called to duty.

While wedding insurance can provide peace of mind, it's important to note that it doesn't cover everything. In most cases, you won't be reimbursed if you cancel the wedding due to a change of heart or cold feet. It also doesn't cover ordinary bad weather; only extreme weather conditions that prevent the couple, immediate family, wedding party, or majority of guests from reaching the venue are typically covered.

It can cover liability issues

Wedding insurance is a contractual, financial agreement that protects you against monetary losses in the event that your wedding day is unexpectedly cancelled or otherwise affected by something out of your control.

Wedding liability insurance is one of the two main types of wedding insurance. It is required by many venues and protects you against financial liability arising from your wedding. This type of insurance can cover liability issues, including:

• Guest injury: If a guest is injured at your wedding, liability insurance will cover their medical bills so you are not held responsible.
• Venue damage: If any damage is caused to the venue, liability insurance will cover the costs of repairs or replacement.
• Alcohol-related incidents: If a guest injures themselves or others while under the influence, liability insurance will cover the costs.
• Liquor liability: Liquor liability will protect you against liquor-related incidents and accidents.

Liability insurance is especially important if the venue does not have its own insurance, or if you are serving alcohol at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions