Tying the Knot – Should You Get Wedding Insurance?

Tying the knot is kind of a big deal. Like any major event in life, weddings will inspire those closest to you to offer advice to help you make it an unforgettable day. One common piece of advice is to take it all in because the day will fly by.

Yet with all the planning that goes into a wedding, it’s important to ask questions and be prepared. That lets you focus on the celebration of love.

So, have you thought about whether you need wedding insurance?

Wedding insurance may seem like an afterthought, but it’s good practice to consider your options. Then you can enjoy your big day knowing you have protection in place just in case Uncle Jerry accidentally breaks more than a dance move at the reception. And although discussing insurance may not seem as much fun as taste-testing the menu, having the right policy in place may mean a little less to worry about on your wedding day.

The first thing to know: when it comes to wedding insurance, there are two main types of policies—cancellation and liability.

Short on time? Read our condensed web-story:

Cancellation Insurance

Cancellation insurance will help you recoup deposits paid to your vendors if you’re forced to cancel or postpone your wedding. Most policies include family illness, military deployment and extreme weather as acceptable reasons for making a cancellation claim.

So if you plan your wedding during peak hurricane season in the Florida Keys, you may want to consider cancellation insurance as an important option.

A popular question now is what about cancelling because of COVID-19? The simple answer is most insurance carriers won’t cover cancellations due to the pandemic, because it’s now categorized as a “known event.” In the early days of 2020, some wedding cancellations due to COVID-19 were being honored because the pandemic was an unknown at the time. This is no longer the case.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance, on the other hand, covers you in case of injuries to wedding guests and venue damages (up to a specified amount). And while liability insurance isn’t necessarily a must, the venue for your wedding may ultimately be the deciding factor. For instance, a historic barn may require you to have liability insurance. This not only protects them, but it protects you too, making it a smart move.

If you’re tying the knot at home, the homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the event. Just be sure to confirm with the insurance company.

Host Liquor Liability Coverage is another type of policy to consider. It protects against alcohol-related accidents, which unfortunately can happen at weddings.

Additional Coverages and Exclusions

Many insurance carriers offer additional coverages for things like dresses and tuxedos, photos and videos, rain-date coverage, and even gifts (protecting against theft).

Keep in mind, though, that each insurance carrier is different when it comes to coverage, exclusions and limits. While one insurance company may include coverage for a post-wedding brunch, another may not cover those next-day mimosas and crepes. Just ask to be sure.

Be aware of a policy’s exclusions, too. Pyrotechnics for Uncle Jerry’s dance floor entrance likely won’t be covered.

So, should you get wedding insurance when tying the knot?

Ultimately when it comes time to decide whether you need wedding insurance, be sure to ask questions—you’ve likely asked other service providers plenty of questions. Not only can you ask your vendors about their insurance policy (so you don’t buy duplicative coverage), but you can trust that your local insurance agent or carrier will be happy to answer them. After all, this isn’t their first wedding.

Your wedding will be full of memories that last a lifetime. And the day will, indeed, be gone in the blink of an eye. Taking the time to consider wedding insurance will put your mind at ease and allow you to focus just a little more on tying the knot.

If you’re considering wedding insurance and have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. You can also request a quote by clicking below.

*This article was written by Unruh Insurance Agency in partnership with County Lines Magazine and can be found at countylinesmagazine.com.