Why couples should consider wedding insurance in 2024

In 2024, many couples will still choose to tie the knot without wedding insurance. Although comprehensive national data is limited, recent trends show that a significant number of weddings remain uninsured. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a rise in couples opting for wedding insurance, spurred by increasing awareness. However, many insurers temporarily paused new policies during the pandemic due to UK restrictions on weddings and social distancing. Those who didn’t have insurance suffered losses in deposits and faced unexpected cancellation costs. As the industry recovers, it's important to explore why wedding insurance remains crucial.

How much do weddings cost in 2024?

The average cost of weddings in the UK continues to climb. Here are some recent figures:

• £24,000 – according to Hitched’s 2023 survey.
• £20,000 to £35,000 - from Bridebook's 2024 forecast.
• £27,000 to £32,000 - The Wedding Report estimates for 2024.

These numbers illustrate why wedding insurance is a smart investment—providing peace of mind for a significant financial commitment. To understand the importance, let’s compare it to other valuable assets.

Insure your wedding just like your other life assets

Imagine you bought an expensive piece of jewellery that was not covered by your contents insurance. Would you be comfortable leaving your home knowing that if something went wrong, you would not be able to recover its value? Chances are, you’ll ensure that the asset is appropriately insured, just like your car and property. So, why should a wedding be any different?

What does wedding insurance cover?

A good wedding insurance policy safeguards both the ceremony and reception. Many providers offer tiered packages depending on the size of your wedding. The following key covers are typical of a wedding insurance policy; however, you should always read the policy wording to ensure the cover meets your needs:

Wedding cancellation

This covers irrecoverable expenses including deposits or fees if the wedding must be cancelled due to unforeseen events like illness, death of a relative, venue damage (fire or flood), or extreme weather preventing guests from attending.

Additional rearrangement costs

If a venue becomes unusable, insurance may cover additional costs to book a new location within the limits shown in your benefits schedule and of a similar standard to the venue originally booked.

Supplier failure

If a vendor, like a caterer or a photographer, goes bankrupt or enters liquidation, wedding insurance can cover non-recoverable deposits and costs for finding replacements

Additional coverage options

Policies can include protections for:

• Wedding gifts
• Rings
• Flowers
• Wedding cake
• Attendant's gifts

Wedding liability insurance

This is a form of public liability insurance covering accidental injury to guests or damage to third-party property. Some venues require couples to have liability insurance, usually with a minimum of £2 million coverage.

Optional extras

Many insurers provide optional add-ons for personalised needs, such as:

• ceremonial sword cover;
• extending public liability to £5 million;
• extending public liability cover to all guests;
• marquee and mobile W.C. cover.

Overseas wedding insurance

If you're planning a destination wedding, specialised overseas wedding insurance can cover the core items mentioned above, plus crucial documents like passports, visas, and birth certificates.

Understanding excess and policy terms

Some wedding insurance policies have no excess, making it easier for couples to claim without additional costs. It's wise to review the policy wording to ensure clarity on what's covered. Certain providers use "Plain English" guidelines to make their terms straightforward.

When to buy wedding insurance?

You can usually purchase wedding insurance up to 24 months before your event. It's best to get coverage once you start paying deposits. Some policies require that insurance be secured at least 14 days before the ceremony. Keep in mind any time restrictions, like ensuring the reception occurs within a specified period after the ceremony.

What about cultural weddings?

Specialised insurance is available for cultural weddings, such as Asian weddings or Shaadi, which may involve multiple events over several days. These policies typically offer tailored packages to cover everything from Mehndi ceremonies to the main reception.

Don't forget honeymoon insurance

Honeymoon insurance is another consideration, especially for honeymoons outside of the UK. It can cover trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and other unexpected disruptions, with some policies offering family discounts or options for extended stays.

We are working with Voyager Insurance to provide you with an online quote for honeymoon and travel insurance, just follow this link Get a travel quote

How much does wedding insurance cost?

Costs vary, but basic wedding insurance starts at around £46, with prices increasing based on coverage levels.

Choosing the right policy

The best wedding insurance depends on your specific plans. Compare cover options and choose one that aligns with your budget and expectations. Ensure you understand the total cost and coverage limits to avoid overspending or underinsurance.

Risks of an uninsured wedding

Without insurance, you're vulnerable to risks like supplier failure, venue closures, and unexpected illness. These incidents can turn a dream day into a logistical and financial nightmare. Numerous stories of cancelled weddings and last-minute crises highlight the importance of being prepared.

Final thoughts

Awareness of wedding insurance has grown in recent years, and more couples are investing in protection due to recommendations from wedding planners and venues. Considering the emotional and financial investment, it’s wise to protect your big day with a comprehensive insurance policy. This way, you can focus on celebrating rather than worrying, knowing that you’re covered if things don’t go as planned.

In short, wedding insurance isn’t just about safeguarding a single day—it’s about ensuring that all the planning, effort, and money you’ve invested will lead to the celebration you’ve envisioned, regardless of the unexpected.

Get a wedding insurance quote

We’re working with Dreamsaver to provide a wedding insurance solution for you. They offer 5 different levels of cover to suit a range of budgets and requirements and you can buy online here

You can also navigate and find the cover on our website under ‘wedding couple insurance’. It is a commission link, so we do earn a small amount of commission for anyone who buys through our link, but without any extra cost to the buyer compared to going direct. If you have found this article useful and would like to recommend us, please direct your them to the following link Dreamsaver Wedding Insurance | Protect your Wedding