Wedding insurance is a type of coverage that protects couples from financial losses due to unforeseen events or issues that could impact their wedding plans, such as vendor cancellations, extreme weather, or illness.

Wedding insurance is an important detail, and many wedding venues have begun to require it. Let’s take a closer look at why wedding insurance is so crucial to your big day and how to decide between the many (many) options available.

Why Do I Need Wedding Insurance?

Many brides and grooms are under the impression that wedding insurance is only for the faint of heart (and cold of feet). But there are actually very few wedding insurance policies that even cover a change of heart.

So, why the need for wedding insurance?

If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that no wedding is a guarantee. From military deployments to bad weather, to—yes—global pandemics, any number of things can throw a wrench in the works and cause your event to be postponed or even canceled.

And even if the wedding still goes as planned, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. (After all, we’ve seen what happens when you mix Uncle Jimmy with an open bar!) Property damage, food poisoning, dance floor-related injuries, and other disasters can turn your festivities into a fiasco. And even though your wedding venue and vendors should have their own insurance, that coverage doesn’t extend to you.

Your wedding isn’t just any old party. It’s a day you’ve been planning for and dreaming about your whole life. Wedding insurance provides you with a financial safety net in case something goes wrong.

Most importantly, many wedding venues now require couples to show proof of wedding insurance to book the venue to protect their own investment. 

What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?

Wedding insurance—also known as special event insurance—isn’t just one thing. It’s a collection of different protections that each covers a wide range of financial losses.

Here’s a brief rundown of the many types of wedding insurance available.

Wedding Liability Insurance

Wedding liability insurance protects couples in the event of injury and property damage caused by your guests.

We know…most couples don’t like to think about stuff like this happening, but it does. Coverage typically includes the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, and covers everything from broken bones to host liquor liability coverage.

Wedding liability insurance protects you in many different ways like if your photos are somehow damaged, gifts are lost or broken, your vendors don’t show up or they become insolvent before the big day. 

Wedding Postponement or Cancellation Insurance

Like we mentioned above, most wedding insurance policies don’t provide coverage if you just change your mind (although there are some that do).

Rather, cancellation or postponement coverage reimburses you for lost deposits if an event (one that is out of your control) causes you to have to cancel or postpone your wedding.

• Military deployments
• Extreme weather
• Sudden illness/injury of the bride, groom, or immediate family member
• Job loss
• Venue/vendor bankruptcy
• Loss/damage of wedding dress

We’ve even seen policies that cover professional counseling after a postponement!

WEDDING RING INSURANCE

From your engagement ring to those designer earrings that match your dress perfectly, jewelry plays an important role in your wedding day.

If your wedding insurance policy doesn’t include jewelry coverage (most don’t), you always have the option of adding a jewelry endorsement onto your existing homeowners or renter’s policy. However, Traveler’s includes wedding ring and special attire coverage in their Special Event Insurance policy.

Insuring your wedding ring is not necessary (neither your vendors or venue will require it), it’s a helpful policy to have. If you are concerned about something happening to your ring (either before or after the wedding), wedding ring insurance can provide additional peace of mind so you can relax and get back to enjoying your wedding planning!

How Much Does Wedding Insurance Cost?

Unfortunately, that’s a bit like asking “how much does a wedding cost?” It all depends on what you’re buying.

Higher coverage limits, lower deductibles, and more coverage will result in a higher premium. Lower limits, higher deductibles, and less coverage will result in a lower premium.

That being said, most couples spend an average of $275 on their wedding insurance policy.

If you can afford to spend more, you certainly can. But it’s also possible to spend even less than that.

When Can I Purchase Wedding Insurance?

You can purchase wedding insurance at any point in the wedding planning process, in some cases, even up the night before your event!

However, it’s advisable to purchase insurance coverage as soon as you decide that you need it. Waiting until the last minute may end up costing you more in the long run. Additionally, your vendors and/or venue may need proof of coverage long before this time.

It also depends on what insurance carrier you are using. Companies like Traveler’s and Wedsure allow you to purchase coverage the night before your event, while WedSafe requires that you buy coverage no more than 15 days prior to your wedding.

What Is the Best Wedding Insurance?

When it comes to wedding insurance, the cheapest coverage isn’t necessarily the best.

As you’re comparing policies, think about the event coverage options you’re looking for and do your research to find an insurance company that matches your needs. And above all, always consider the company’s reputation.

Here are some of the best wedding insurance companies based on feedback from other couples.

• Travelers – With no deductibles and 24/7 claims service, Travelers has a great reputation among insurance companies (they’ve been in business since 1864).
• Wedsure – Wedsure is one of the most popular wedding insurance companies around, for good reason. Endless customization options, great coverage, and instant quotes make this a no-brainer.
• WedSafe – Did you wait too long to purchase coverage? WedSafe will issue you a policy the day of the wedding! Plus, host liquor liability is offered free of charge and a wide range of limits are available.
• Markel Specialty – Markel offers a 15% discount for bundling liability and cancellation coverage and offers additional insureds at no additional cost.
• Event Helper – Got a long guest list? Event Helper offers coverage for events with up to 5,000 guests! They also provide a money-back guarantee that your venue will accept coverage.

Wedding Insurance Is Worth the Extra Cost

At first, getting insurance for an event might seem a little “extra.” But weddings aren’t just an event, they’re the most important (and expensive) event of most people’s lives! It makes sense to protect your investment.

If you add up how much you’ve already spent on your wedding, we’re willing to bet it far exceeds the amount of a wedding insurance policy. Coverage options can be found for as little as $100. If you ask us, that’s more than worth the relief you feel knowing that you’re protected.

If you have any questions about wedding coverage, let us know!