Planning a wedding is exciting but can also be expensive and stressful. From booking the perfect venue to choosing the right suppliers, there are many things that can go wrong-and that’s where wedding insurance comes in. Wedding insurance offers financial protection if unexpected problems disrupt your big day, helping you avoid costly losses. This guide explains what wedding insurance typically covers, what it usually excludes, how much it costs, and tips on finding affordable and reliable policies in 2025.
What Is Wedding Insurance?
Wedding insurance is an optional policy that protects you financially if certain mishaps occur before or during your wedding. It can cover cancellations, supplier failures, damage or loss of key items, and personal liability, among other things. While it can’t cover a change of heart or cold feet, it provides peace of mind against many common risks.
What Does Wedding Insurance Typically Cover?
Although policies vary, most wedding insurance plans include coverage for:
- Venue Cancellation or Insolvency: If your venue cancels or goes bust, you can claim back deposits or costs to rearrange the wedding.
- Supplier No-Shows or Failures: If a florist, photographer, or other supplier fails to deliver or provides damaged goods, you’re covered for deposits and extra costs incurred. Written contracts with suppliers are essential for claims.
- Illness, Accident, or Death: Coverage applies if the couple, close family members, or key wedding party members fall ill, have an accident, or pass away (excluding pre-existing conditions). Some policies also cover jury service or military deployment.
- Extreme Weather: If severe weather prevents 50% or more of your guests from attending, you may be covered for cancellation or rearrangement costs.
- Loss, Theft, or Damage of Key Items: This includes wedding rings, flowers, cake, attire, and gifts, typically covering loss or damage shortly before and after the wedding day.
- Personal Liability: Protection against claims if someone is injured or property is damaged during your wedding, usually with coverage up to £2 million, extendable to £5 million.
- Additional Events: Many policies cover multiple wedding-related events, such as rehearsal dinners or post-wedding celebrations, within a specified timeframe.
What Does Wedding Insurance Usually Exclude?
Be aware that standard wedding insurance policies often exclude:
- Cancellation due to a change of heart or “cold feet.”
- Covid-19 related cancellations or restrictions, as most new policies exclude pandemics or government-imposed limits on gatherings.
- Financial difficulties other than redundancy, meaning if you cancel because you can’t afford it (unless due to job loss under specific conditions), you’re unlikely to be covered.
- Minor mishaps that don’t cause cancellation, such as a damaged cake or flowers, may only be covered for the cost of the item, not the whole wedding.
- Engagement rings, which are usually excluded but can be insured separately under home insurance.
- Certain outdoor events or specialty items (fireworks, ceremonial swords) may require additional cover or separate policies.
How Much Does Wedding Insurance Cost?
Wedding insurance costs vary depending on the size and value of your wedding and the level of cover you choose:
- Basic policies start from around £27 and typically cover weddings valued up to £3,000.
- Mid-range policies for average UK weddings (around £20,000) usually cost between £70 and £100.
- Premium policies offering extensive coverage, higher cancellation limits (up to £100,000), and additional protections can cost £300 to £600 or more.
- Additional premiums may apply for outdoor weddings, marquee cover, destination weddings, or coverage for pre-existing medical conditions.
Tips for Getting the Best Wedding Insurance Deal
- Buy early: Ideally, purchase your policy soon after booking your venue or paying non-refundable deposits to ensure coverage from the start.
- Use comparison sites: Check multiple comparison websites to find the best price and coverage for your needs.
- Read the small print: Understand what’s covered and excluded, especially regarding Covid-19, weather, and supplier failures.
- Get everything in writing: Contracts with suppliers are crucial for claims.
- Consider your wedding specifics: Larger weddings, destination weddings, or those with special elements may require tailored policies.
- Check for public liability requirements: Many venues require a minimum level of liability insurance before confirming bookings.
- Look for cashback deals: Some insurers or comparison sites offer cashback incentives.
- Keep receipts and records: Document all payments and agreements for smooth claims processing.
Why You Should Consider Wedding Insurance
While wedding insurance is optional, it can save you from significant financial and emotional stress if things go wrong. Venue cancellations, supplier bankruptcies, illness, or extreme weather can all disrupt your plans and lead to costly last-minute changes. Insurance helps protect your investment and allows you to focus on enjoying your special day.
Wedding insurance is a valuable safeguard for your big day, offering protection against cancellations, supplier issues, loss or damage, and liability claims. With policies starting from under £30 and comprehensive options available for larger weddings, it’s a small price for peace of mind. Start your search early, compare policies carefully, and choose coverage that fits your wedding plans and budget. Doing so ensures your celebration is protected, no matter what surprises come your way.