Should you take out wedding insurance?

Taking out wedding insurance is a straightforward way to protect your investment. Weddings involve many payments spread over months, and if something goes wrong, you could lose a lot of money. Insurance helps you recover those costs if you need to cancel or postpone for a covered reason.

Start by making a list of everything you are paying for: the venue, catering, photographer, flowers, outfits, rings, transport and any other suppliers. Then compare policies to see which ones cover those items. Most policies cover cancellation, but you should also look for cover for rearranging the date, loss or damage to wedding items, and public liability in case someone is hurt at the reception.

Be honest about your circumstances when you apply. If you have a pre-existing health condition, tell the insurer. If you are getting married abroad, check whether the policy covers overseas weddings. If you are having a religious ceremony, ask your place of worship if they have any insurance requirements. For civil ceremonies, the register office or approved venue may have their own rules. These can vary, so check with them and with GOV.UK for the current position.

Insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is a wise choice for most couples. It is especially important if you are relying on a single large payment, like a venue deposit, or if you are planning a long time ahead. Buy it early, and keep your policy documents somewhere safe.