What Does Wedding Cancellation Insurance Cover?

Wedding cancellation insurance is a type of policy that pays out if you have to cancel or postpone your wedding because of an unexpected event that is listed in the policy. It is designed to cover the deposits and other payments you have already made, so you do not lose money if the wedding cannot go ahead.

In the UK, you can buy wedding insurance from a range of providers. The cost depends on the size of your wedding, where it is, and what you want covered. Policies can be bought at any time, but it is usually best to buy as soon as you start paying deposits, because the cover often starts from the day you take it out.

Most wedding cancellation policies cover the following common situations:

• Illness or injury: if you, your partner, or a close family member falls ill or is injured and cannot attend, you may be covered. Some policies also cover the death of a close relative.
• Vendor no-shows: if a supplier such as a caterer, photographer, or venue fails to turn up or goes out of business, you can claim for the money you have lost.
• Bankruptcy of a supplier: if a key vendor goes bankrupt before the wedding, the policy can cover your lost deposits.
• Extreme weather: if severe weather, such as a storm or flood, makes the venue unusable or prevents you from getting there, you may be covered.
• Other unforeseen events: some policies also cover military call-up, jury service, or damage to the venue, but always check the specific wording.

Wedding cancellation insurance does not cover everything. Common exclusions include:

• Changing your mind: if you simply decide to call off the wedding, you will not be covered.
• Pre-existing medical conditions: if you or your partner had a health condition before you bought the policy, it may not be covered unless you declare it and the insurer agrees.
• Financial problems: if you lose your job or cannot afford the wedding, that is not covered.
• Travel disruption: if flights are delayed or cancelled, you may need separate travel insurance.
• Normal weather: if it rains and you wanted an outdoor ceremony, that is not covered unless the weather is extreme enough to make the venue unusable.
• Supplier issues that are your fault: if you fail to pay a vendor on time, or you change the date without telling them, you cannot claim.

You should buy wedding cancellation insurance as soon as you start paying deposits, which is often before you book the venue. Many policies cover you from the date you take them out, so if you book a venue and then have to cancel a month later, you can claim back your deposit.

It is also worth buying before you send out invitations, because if you have to postpone, you may need to cover the cost of reprinting or re-sending. Some policies also cover gifts that are lost or damaged in the post, but that is a separate add-on.

In the UK, wedding cancellation insurance works like most other insurance. You pay a premium, and if you need to claim, you contact the insurer and provide evidence, such as a doctor's note or a letter from a supplier confirming they have gone bankrupt. The insurer will then reimburse you up to the limit on your policy.

You need to check the policy for the maximum amount it will pay out. This is usually the total cost of your wedding, but you can choose a lower limit to reduce the premium. You should also check whether the policy covers postponement, as some policies allow you to move the date and keep the cover.

Wedding cancellation insurance is separate from wedding ring insurance. Ring insurance covers loss, theft, or damage to your engagement and wedding rings, and it is often added to your home contents policy. You can also buy a standalone jewellery policy, but it is not part of a standard wedding cancellation policy.

Some wedding insurance policies also cover other items, such as wedding attire, gifts, and public liability. Public liability is important if you are having a wedding at a venue that requires it, or if you are having a backyard wedding. It covers you if a guest is injured or property is damaged during the wedding. Check your policy to see what is included, and consider adding extras if you need them.

If you are having a backyard wedding, you may still want cancellation cover, especially if you are paying for a marquee, catering, or other suppliers. However, you should also think about public liability insurance, because if a guest trips and hurts themselves on your property, you could be held responsible. Some home insurance policies include this, but not all, so check with your insurer.

If you are hiring a bartender or other staff, you may need to check whether they have their own insurance, and whether your policy covers you for any claims they might make. It is always a good idea to ask your venue or suppliers what insurance they have, and to read your own policy carefully.