How to protect your wedding day against unexpected events

Nearlyweds-to-be are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong.  

The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance. Weddings come with a whole host of unforeseen risks, like supplier no-shows, damaged goods, technical faults, damaged or lost items, severe weather and accident or illness.

Although no couple wants to think about these concerns in the run up to their wedding, it is important to make sure they protect their special day, their finances and all the time spent planning – especially since more than half say their wedding budget has been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis.

One of the key ways couples can protect themselves is with wedding insurance, covering venue cancellation, supplier no-shows, extreme weather conditions and even change of heart insurance, to cover couples with a bad case of cold feet on the day.

Helen Rolph, wedding insurance expert at Quotezone said: “We know that no couple wants to think about all of the things that could go wrong on their big day, but when you are investing so much time and money, it’s important to make sure you are fully protected.

“In the midst of urgent tasks, dealing with guest-list changes, supplier enquiries and just hoping the weather will hold out, it can be understandable to overlook wedding insurance but it’s important to consider what protection you might need to help ensure your perfect day runs smoothly.

“Every wedding insurance policy is a bit different, so it's important to check the small print ahead of time, compare policies to find savings and add on any extras you might need. 

“It's also important to remember wedding insurance policies won’t normally cover the loss or damage of engagement rings, as they are usually covered under other policies such as your home insurance -  if you have been caught up in wedding stress and not had time to update your home insurance policy to cover the cost of your engagement bling, make sure you do so and add any other expensive pieces as specified items, such as wedding rings.” 

Big issues on the big day and how to protect them:

1.Change of heart

Your general wedding insurance policy will likely not protect your investment if the wedding is cancelled due to someone getting cold feet. However, some providers offer a change of heart insurance policy to cover the couple in case this were to happen.

2.Venue cancellation

This will generally come under your wedding insurance policy, and will cover cancellation due to extreme conditions like floods or fire at your chosen venue. It also covers situations where the venue has to cancel your wedding due to financial reasons.

3.Supplier no-show

If your caterer doesn’t show up or the photographer ghosts you in the days leading up to your wedding, your insurance policy should cover the cost. It is important to keep track of all the details, as you will need written agreements with suppliers to act as proof. A paper trail of conversations with suppliers is essential.

4.Turbulent weather

A policy which is especially important for those tying the knot in the UK. Your wedding insurance policy should include a point which states that if half of your guests are unable to attend due to extreme weather conditions, then you should be able to make a claim. Some policies will differ slightly on this, so it is important to check and make sure you are protected.  

5.Lost, stolen or damaged goods

The cost of wedding bands, outfits, cake and flowers can all add up very quickly in the lead up to your wedding. So, protecting these things is essential. Your policy will most likely specify that any incidents, damage or loss needs to happen ahead of your reception in order to be covered.

6.Public liability

Public liability at a wedding is essential, and covers the wedding organiser against any legal claims from guests, including injury and loss of goods. This policy is not often covered in standard wedding insurance, but may be required specifically by some venues, so it is always worth checking with your suppliers and the insurance provider before taking out your insurance.

7.Destination weddings

When getting married abroad, there can be an even larger volume of risks for the couple, such as issues with travel logistics and local permits.  Not all standard wedding insurance policies will cover overseas events, so it's best to talk to insurance providers and double check what's covered and what will need added as optional extras, to ensure you're fully covered. 

Quotezone.co.uk helps over 4 million customers every year compare and find savings and includes specialist protection such as wedding insurance or unoccupied home insurance for those off enjoying a long honeymoon.