Six things you need to insure when tying the knot

Credit: Photo by Osarugue Igbinoba on UnsplashAs wedding season draws nearer, couples are scrambling to tie up loose ends and ensure their special day goes off without a hitch. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, there have been 11K Google searches for 'wedding insurance' in the past month alone. The insurance experts at Bionic have looked into some of the most useful insurances to have for your big day.

As of 2023, the average amount spent on wedding venues in the UK was nearly £8,000, meaning a significant amount of money would be at stake if the day were to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances affecting the venue. Similarly, the average spent on wedding videography and photography was nearly £3,000. In the event of any technical faults on the day, you could be at risk of memories of your special day not being captured, and also losing out on thousands if you weren't to take out cover.

From unforeseen weather disasters to catering mishaps, wedding insurance offers a safety net, providing financial protection and peace of mind. Here are some of the things to consider covering under your wedding insurance policy to protect the happiest day of your life:

Getting cold feet
Whilst suggesting cold feet insurance might raise a few eyebrows, it can be a practical offering for couples awaiting their wedding day. Typically covering expenses like venue deposits, food vendors and travel arrangements, it can safeguard against being left high and dry if one partner gets cold feet and backs out of the wedding.

Cancellation
Weddings take months, sometimes even years, of planning. When it finally comes close to the big day, illness, extreme weather conditions or vendor bankruptcy could all result in the need to postpone or cancel. Whilst many hope they aren't affected by such negative occurrences, sometimes it's out of their hands. Therefore, insuring your wedding day in the event of cancellation will cover any financial losses.

Love, laughter and liability
Unfortunately, we're all too familiar with family and friends brawling at big events! Wedding liability insurance protects against financial loss due to property damage, bodily injury, or personal injury that may occur during the wedding or reception. It may also include liquor liability coverage if alcohol is served.

Photo blunders
If there were to be a technical fault and your wedding video or photos couldn't be developed, you could be covered to hire outfits and flowers to reshoot key images. Of course, cover wouldn't extend to circumstances where you didn't like the photos or if the photographer wasn't as expected.

Precious presents
Gift insurance may seem like an unconventional addition to the wedding checklist, but it can save newlyweds a lot of stress. With the excitement of the big day comes a flurry of gifts, ranging from sentimental keepsakes to valuable items. From accidental breakages, theft, and even loss during transport, gift insurance ensures that the generosity of loved ones is protected.

Honeymooning
If you have a honeymoon booked and plan to jet-off soon after your wedding, you should look at purchasing travel/honeymoon insurance too. Couples travel insurance covers both you and your partner in one policy and should cover:

• Cancellation, missed connections, journey delays and disruptions
• Lost or stolen bags (with baggage cover an extra in some policies)
• Emergency medical expenses, such as the cost of treatment and getting you home

It can be tempting to give wedding insurance a miss, however, remember if you don't decide to get cover you could be left out of pocket if something goes wrong. Assessing the value, necessity, and details of any insurance policy will help to ensure it meets your expectations and offers you real benefits. You can always discuss your needs with a professional to make sure every angle you're worried about is covered.

Methodology
Google search data was collected using Google Trends and Glimpse. Data is correct as of 08/04/2024.
Average wedding costs were taken from: Sophia Shafee (2024), Bridebook, How Much Does a Wedding Cost? The 2023 UK Average