Wedding insurance can help cover things like cancellations, accidents, or vendor issues, so that you don't lose money if things go wrong. This way, you can focus on enjoying your special day without worrying about what might happen. Like most insurance policies, a wedding or special event insurance policy is comprised of a variety of coverages, each of which comes with specific offerings of protection.

Event cancellation coverage

Event cancellation coverage may help protect you from financial loss if your event needs to be canceled or postponed for a number of accidental or unexpected reasons. This may include weather that prevents the majority of guests from attending, a serious illness impacting the couple or immediate family, or the bride or groom being called for military deployment. If you have to reschedule your reception because the banquet hall has no power after a big storm, but the caterer has already prepared the food, wedding insurance will typically reimburse you up to your policy's limits for lost deposits and nonrefundable amounts, for both the venue and the food. Pandemics, like COVID, are not a covered reason for event cancellation.

Event cancellation coverage may also help reimburse you for payments to vendors, such as a photographer or DJ, or costs associated with a honeymoon if the wedding is canceled or postponed. And, even if your wedding takes place as scheduled, it may also help provide coverage if your photographs or videos are lost or damaged before you receive copies. The costs to replace lost or damaged wedding gifts, repair or replace special attire and jewelry, like a tuxedo, wedding gown, or rings, may also be covered.

Wedding and event liability coverage

Wedding or event liability coverage may also help protect you if you're found legally responsible for damage to the venue, or an injury to someone at the event. If one of your guests damages a wall at the banquet hall, or if your photographer trips and sprains his ankle trying to get a shot you requested, the resulting repairs or medical bills would likely be covered. Keep in mind that liability coverage is usually limited to a 24- to 48-hour period that ends when the reception is over. Coverage limits may vary by policy, so be sure to read yours so that you know what your insurance covers.

Optional riders for additional coverage

Some policies may offer additional protection for various aspects of your big day. Certain types of special coverage could reimburse you if your wedding is postponed due to deployment. Other types may cover bridal gowns or tuxedos if they’re lost or damaged, as well as damaged or lost jewelry, video, rented party supplies, and more. There may even be special honeymoon coverages that can help protect your trip from issues like cancellations or travel delays.

If you have an existing event insurance policy, read it carefully to understand what sorts of things may be covered. Otherwise, contact your insurer to understand what types of coverages they offer that could protect you on your special day.