A wedding-insurance policy reads like your worst nightmare, outlining things you’ve never even thought of - from a parent’s redundancy to the hijacking of your hired Rolls-Royce. But, while you don’t want to dwell on worst-case scenarios, insurance cover can help protect your financial and emotional investments. Prices start from as little as £20, but for a comprehensive policy from a household name, expect to spend between £60 and £150, depending on the size and cost of your day. Your own risk tolerance and financial situation will help you decide which is right for you, but keep in mind that cover can turn unforeseen circumstances into an inconvenience rather than a catastrophe.

Got you covered
“People often don’t buy wedding insurance because they don’t want to spend an extra £100,” admits Lucy Scurlock-Jones, managing director of Event Insurance. “But if something goes wrong, you can save yourself £15,000-£20,000.” Cancellation coverage will ensure that you’re reimbursed for non-refundable payments if the wedding can’t happen for any reason beyond your control - unexpected illness, a death in the family, or adverse weather that prevents a sizable percentage of the wedding party from turning up. Note that “disinclination to marry” (better known as cold feet), along with pre-existing medical conditions, isn’t covered. And, says Scott Fitzgerald, personal finance manager at Debenhams, check that your whole wedding is covered; “Be sure you have sufficient cover for your specific needs.”

Red-wine alert
What happens if your tipsy uncle spills his merlot over the white rug at your stately home reception? You could be responsible for replacing that carpet – which is why many venues, including National Trust properties, require public liability cover as a condition of hiring their space. This protects you from footing the bill for property damage or personal injuries. Standard policies generally cover up to £2 million, but larger venues now commonly ask for up to £5 million, says David Simms, personal lines manager at Ecclesiastical Insurance. Check with your venue in advance that you are adequately covered. “I once came into the office on a Saturday for a bride who was getting married that afternoon and realised she needed the public liability to get into the venue,” says Lucy Scurlock-Jones. “I was a little disappointed I wasn’t invited to the wedding after that!”

Bad business
Blame it on the recession, but the most common claims are for suppliers who go out of business. “It’s been one of our biggest claims for the past 15 months,” says David Simms. For example, when online gift list company Wrapit went bust in 2008, insured couples were able to collect on claims for undelivered gifts rather than hope and pray for compensation. Other specific areas include lost or stolen wedding rings, cakes or flowers that are damaged or fail to arrive, or a photographer who doesn’t turn up or loses your originals.

When to take it out
“As soon as you open your wallet for the wedding, insurance should be on your list,” advises David Simms. However, in most cases, you can buy cover as late as two weeks before the big day and deposits you’ve made beforehand will, for the most part, be covered. Still, the earlier you get it, the better protected you’ll be. “We had a bride and groom stuck in Australia in the Icelandic volcano crisis and, because the policy was taken out before the problems were anticipated, they were covered,” explains Lucy Scurlock-John. “Policies that were taken out after it was known disruptions were likely weren’t covered.”

How to get paid
Contact your insurance company immediately if trouble arises, and have all invoices, receipts, and proofs of payment to hand. If it’s a case of stolen items, make sure they are reported to the police. “Provided the reason for a claim is covered under the terms, most of the time it’s a clear-cut case and we can issue payment within a few days,” says Lucy Scurlock-Jones.

Keep calm and carry on
If circumstances arise that could derail your day, ring your insurance rep before you panic. “Insurers are quite willing to shell out to make the wedding go ahead,” says David Simms. This can include footing the bill for special transport in a flood or paying to lay down special ground covering when rain threatens a marquee wedding. “In the long run, it saves money for both parties and avoids the stress of having to cancel.”

Words by Julia Scirrotto