It’s the last thing you want to think about when you’re planning your wedding: something going wrong. The thought of it is enough to strike fear into the hearts of even the most relaxed, easy-going brides-to-be.
With recession related horror stories of venues going into liquidation, or wedding suppliers going out of business, you might be tempted to take out wedding insurance to cover any eventualities on and before your big day. Wedding insurance can help you protect against unforeseen circumstances and help you sleep a bit more soundly at night.
What Is Wedding Insurance, Anyway?
Let’s face it weddings are expensive. You’ve put so much time, effort and money into planning your big day, but unfortunately there are things that can and do go wrong, that are beyond your control. Wedding insurance is a way of covering yourselves from any financial loss if a worst case scenario should happen.
What Kinds Of Things Are Covered By Wedding Insurance?
A comparison of different wedding insurance policies in Ireland shows that the following things are generally covered:
– Cancellation or postponement of wedding and/or reception.
(including extreme weather conditions that force you to cancel/postpone your wedding, and postponement due to illness of bride, groom or close family – check your policy for full terms and conditions).
– Failure of wedding suppliers (including re-staging of photographs if your photographer does not show and a replacement is unavailable).
– Loss, theft of or damage to your wedding attire (wedding dress, groom’s suit, etc.).
– Loss or theft of wedding gifts.
– Wedding rings, flowers, cake.
– Cars and transport (hired).
– Photographs and video (including loss or damage to original film and negatives before you receive your finished photos or video).
– Important documents (for overseas weddings).
– Personal liability.
– Personal accident.
– Legal Expenses
– Marquee cover (optional usually with a separate premium).
– Public liability cover (optional usually with a separate premium).
Most policies also cover weddings abroad, not just in Ireland. But be aware that some items (like public liability insurance) may not be covered for weddings abroad. You’ll also need separate travel insurance.
What Is Not Covered By Wedding Insurance?
Remember that most policies will have an excess that is; an amount you have to pay in the event of a claim. Other items that aren’t covered include:
– Cancellations or postponements due to a change of heart or cold feet.
– Anything to do with your honeymoon separate honeymoon travel insurance is required.
– Your engagement ring be sure to get it appraised, and cover it under your household insurance policy or separate jewellery insurance.
Household insurance policy gives monetary assurance to your home and other significant resources against catastrophes, burglary, and mishaps for which you’re at risk.
When Should I Get Wedding Insurance?
Most insurance companies have limits on when you can purchase wedding insurance usually no earlier than 24 months before your wedding, and no later than 10 days before your wedding.
If you’re thinking wedding insurance might be right for you, a good idea of when to get it is when you start putting big expensive deposits on things.
How Much Will It Cost Me?
Wedding insurance packages can start from around €45 for basic cover, right up to €150+ depending on the amount of cover you need. Most insurance companies will have a range of packages you can choose from, depending on your needs.
Do I Really Need Wedding Insurance?
Like we said no bride or groom-to-be wants to think of something terrible happening on their wedding day. Every wedding is different, and things happen. Insurance is just one way of protecting yourself.
At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision that you and your fiancé(e) will have to make together. Talk to a financial advisor or your insurance company and make sure you understand what is on offer. Remember to ask lots of questions about what may or may not be covered as well… and get it all in writing.
If you purchased insurance or made a claim on your wedding insurance policy, let us know about your experience by leaving a comment below.
