What Does Wedding Insurance Cover?

As your big day approaches, the pressure to get everything organized increases. One important item on your wedding to-do list should be acquiring wedding insurance coverage, a one-day insurance policy designed specifically for this type of event.

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Wedding insurance is a subcategory of special event insurance specifically tailored to marriage ceremonies and receptions. This one-day event insurance is in effect only during the wedding, reception and any setup or take-down period before or after the event.

What Does Wedding Event Insurance Cover?

There are two main types of wedding insurance, and coverage details depend on the type you buy:

Wedding Cancellation or Postponement Insurance

Postponement and cancellation coverage reimburses the cost of your wedding if something out of your control occurs that prevents it from occurring or requires you to reschedule the event. Qualifying events may include injury, illness, extreme weather events, closure of the event space or shuttering of businesses hired to provide services for the wedding and reception. In some cases, there may be specific requirements to get coverage. For example, you may need to purchase extreme weather coverage for a wedding at least 14 days before the event.

Wedding Liability Insurance

Special event liability insurance, including wedding liability insurance, covers any property damage or injuries that might occur at or because of your event. This includes injuries to guests as well as any damage your guests cause to the event space or rented items, such as centerpieces or seating.

In some cases, you may want to add an extra rider onto the wedding insurance policy to cover specific circumstances. Common riders include:

• Military deployment: This rider covers rescheduling costs if a bride or groom is called to active service, and the wedding has to be rescheduled.
• Wedding gown and tuxedo rental coverage: This type of rider covers the cost of new clothes if you're left without a gown or tux on your wedding day because the store went out of business.
• Gift coverage: A gift rider covers the replacement cost of wedding gifts damaged during an unforeseen event at the venue, such as a fire or natural disaster.
• Liquor liability: This type of rider protects you from claims for alcohol-related damages caused by guests served liquor at the wedding.

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How Much Coverage Do You Need?

The amount of wedding insurance coverage you need depends on the size of your wedding and the specifics of your event. A large wedding may require more coverage than a small, private event with a limited guest list. Optional riders may add to the cost, but in certain circumstances, may be worth the extra money.

Keep in mind that wedding insurance doesn't cover everything. Things wedding insurance typically doesn't cover include:

• Wedding cancellation due to cold feet or a change of heart by one or both of the people getting married
• Normal weather events, such as rain at an outdoor wedding
• Extra costs or lost deposits when the couple changes their mind about the venue, vendors or size of the wedding

Before you get wedding insurance coverage, compare the costs and provided benefits from a few different insurance companies. Look for companies that specialize in event insurance and have specific experience writing policies for weddings.

Why Do Some Venues Require Event Insurance?

In some cases, the venue where you plan to have your wedding may require you to purchase liability insurance before the event. This requirement is intended to prevent someone from holding the venue responsible if a person is injured during the event, as well as to recoup any costs incurred if wedding guests or vendors damage the property. Check with your intended venue before you book to determine whether it has existing coverage or expects you to purchase event insurance for one day of use.