Why You Should Get Wedding Insurance: 10 Things It Covers

Wedding insurance protects you financially if something goes wrong before or on your wedding day. Policies typically cover cancellation, supplier failure, damaged clothing, lost rings and public liability. The average UK wedding costs over £20,000, according to Hitched's annual survey, so the cost of a wedding insurance policy (usually £50-£300 depending on cover level) is a small price for significant peace of mind.

Short Summary

Wedding insurance is designed to cover financial losses caused by circumstances outside your control. It does not cover you for changing your mind about getting married.

Policies vary significantly. Always read the policy wording carefully before purchasing, paying particular attention to what triggers a cancellation claim and whether supplier insolvency is included.

The sooner you take out wedding insurance, the better. Some insurers will not cover events booked with suppliers who are already showing signs of financial difficulty at the time you purchase the policy.

If you pay for wedding services on a credit card and the supplier fails, you may have additional protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 for purchases over £100. Wedding insurance and Section 75 protection work alongside each other.

1. Your wedding dress or suit

The bride's dress is often the single most expensive item purchased for a wedding. A bespoke or designer gown can cost several thousand pounds, and if it is lost, damaged or stolen before the ceremony, replacing it at short notice may be impossible. Wedding insurance covers the cost of repair or replacement for wedding attire, including the bride's dress, bridesmaids' dresses, the groom's suit and accessories.

2. Other clothing and accessories

Beyond the main dress and suit, the total spent on wedding party clothing adds up quickly. Bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen suits, ties, shoes and jewellery all represent a significant outlay. A good wedding insurance policy will cover all clothing and accessories listed on the policy schedule, so check that your policy includes everyone in the wedding party.

3. Wedding flowers

Flowers are perishable and time-critical. If your florist fails to deliver on the morning of the wedding, you have very little time to find an alternative. Wedding insurance covers you if your supplier fails to deliver or if the flowers are damaged in transit.

4. Wedding rings

Wedding rings are small, valuable and easy to lose in the chaos of a busy wedding day. Insurance covers you against accidental loss or damage to both rings. If your rings are particularly valuable, check that the policy limit is high enough to cover their full replacement cost.

5. Wedding gifts

Many couples now receive cash gifts or vouchers. Wedding insurance can cover physical wedding gifts against theft or accidental damage at the venue. Check the policy limit and whether gifts need to be itemised for high-value items.

6. The wedding cake

Specialist wedding cakes can cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds. If the cake is damaged in transit or the baker fails to deliver, insurance can cover the cost of a replacement or a partial refund.

7. Catering supplier failure

If your catering company cancels at short notice or fails to turn up, finding a replacement at short notice is both stressful and expensive. Wedding insurance covers the additional costs of sourcing alternative catering when your original supplier lets you down.

8. The venue

If your reception venue cancels your booking, suffers serious damage or becomes unavailable for reasons outside your control, wedding insurance covers the cost of finding and booking an alternative. Some policies also cover additional expenses such as reprinting invitations with a new venue address.

9. Personal liability

With a large number of guests in one place, accidents can happen. Personal liability cover protects you if a guest is injured or their property is damaged at your wedding, and a claim is made against you. This is particularly important if your venue does not carry its own liability insurance, or if you are hosting part of the wedding on private land.

10. Additional cover options

Many wedding insurance policies offer optional extras including: cover for legal expenses if a dispute arises with a supplier; personal accident cover for the couple; and professional counselling if the wedding has to be cancelled due to serious illness or bereavement. Read your policy schedule carefully to understand exactly what is and is not included.

Frequently asked questions

How much does wedding insurance cost in the UK?

Policies typically cost between £50 and £300, depending on the level of cover and the total value of your wedding. Basic cancellation and supplier failure cover starts at the lower end; comprehensive policies covering high-value weddings cost more. Providers include John Lewis Finance, Dreamsaver and Wedinsure.

When should I take out wedding insurance?

Take out wedding insurance as soon as you start paying deposits, ideally within days of booking your first supplier. The earlier you are covered, the more protection you have if a supplier runs into financial difficulty before your wedding day.

Does wedding insurance cover cancellation if I change my mind?

No. Wedding insurance does not cover cancellation due to a change of heart. It covers cancellation caused by circumstances outside your control, such as serious illness, bereavement, severe weather or venue closure.

What happens if my wedding venue goes into administration?

If your venue becomes insolvent and cancels your booking, wedding insurance covering supplier failure will pay out. If you paid a deposit by credit card, you may also have a claim under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, which covers purchases between £100 and £30,000 where the supplier fails to deliver.

Does wedding insurance cover bad weather?

Most policies cover cancellation due to severe weather that makes the venue inaccessible or unsafe. They do not cover you simply because it rained on your outdoor reception. Check the specific wording of your policy.

Is wedding insurance worth it?

For most couples, yes. The cost of a policy is small relative to the total wedding budget, and the financial protection it provides against supplier failure, cancellation and accidental damage is substantial. Citizens Advice recommends taking out insurance as soon as you start booking and paying deposits.