The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is $30,000, with venues being the highest-ticket item in the spending breakdown. Venues are also the biggest reason for claims made on wedding insurance policies, according to The Knot’s 2019 Real Weddings Study.

No matter how much you plan, things can go wrong. A bankrupt venue, a slip-and-fall incident involving a guest or a gift table theft can put a negative spin on your big day. The cost of property damage, medical bills or a lawsuit can add up fast.

When it comes to wedding risk, there’s more than forgotten vows at stake, so take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Use this checklist to identify possible risk exposures and areas of liability in your wedding day plans.

Your wedding includes Insurance coverage Risk examples
Alcohol/open bar Wedding liability

(Host liquor liability is usually included.)

 Alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of accidents, property damage and other claims. Most standard wedding liability policies include host liquor liability, but always verify with your agent.
Guests Wedding liability

Medical payments

 You can be held responsible for accidents related to your wedding event. A medical payments option can help with medical bills for injured guests.
Wedding party participants traveling to your wedding Wedding liability

Cancellation/postponement

 

 If a covered event postpones your wedding, this coverage can help. Be clear on who it covers and any travel distance minimums. (For example, some policies don’t cover distances under 180 miles.)
Wedding dress or formal attire (rented or owned) Wedding liability

Special attire coverage

 Special accessories and clothing worn for the ceremony are usually included. Be clear on which wedding party participants are covered.
Jewelry Wedding liability

Jewelry

 Jewelry exchanged in the ceremony is normally covered under the jewelry option. Do not confuse this with a permanent jewelry coverage rider (for the engagement ring, for example).
Gift table Wedding liability

Gift theft coverage

 The gift table is often overlooked during the hoopla of a wedding reception. Thieves count on this and target weddings.
Photographer/videographer Wedding liability

Photography/videography

Loss of deposits

 You may have to restage the wedding if your photographer is a no-show. Be clear on what your policy will pay if you decide not to restage, but want your payment refunded. You may have to fall back on loss-of-deposits coverage.
Venue Wedding liabilityoften

Cancellation/postponement

Loss of deposits

Additional expenses

 Venue cancellations happen often (due to a fire or bankruptcy, for example). Getting your deposit back won’t be easy, and finding a new location may be a costly endeavor. Cancellation/postponement coverage can help if you have to postpone the wedding. If you decide not to postpone, additional expense coverage can help recoup the extra cost needed to secure a last-minute venue.

Talk to your adviser about what the venue’s insurance covers to avoid gaps between your policy and theirs.
Rented property Wedding liability

Rented property

 Tents, stages, tables, chairs or the photo booth could get damaged by a guest or bad weather. Payment for the damage is your problem. Rented property coverage can help pay for the damage.
Vendors Wedding liability

Loss of deposits

 If a vendor is a no-show or goes bankrupt, you’ll have a hard time getting your deposit back. Talk to your agent about loss of deposits. Make sure you understand what the vendor’s insurance covers to avoid gaps between your policy and theirs.
Cold feet Wedding liability

“Change of heart”

Professional counseling

 It’s not something you want to think about, but it can and does happen: The wedding is called off completely. Talk to your agent about this coverage because the language is detailed with many exclusions.
High-risk weather zone Wedding liability

Cancellation/postponement

Loss of deposits

 Tornadoes and hurricanes are more prevalent in certain areas and seasons. Know your zone and talk to your adviser about covered weather events and any exclusions.
Honeymoon Wedding liability

Travel or honeymoon

 Weather or an illness could delay a honeymoon, so make sure you have the trip covered. Even if there’s not a delay, you’ll want to be covered for medical mishaps during your honeymoon, especially if you’re outside of the country.
Destination wedding Wedding liability

Travel or honeymoon

Medical payments

Cancellation/postponement

Special attire

Loss of deposits

 Most wedding liability policies cover the U.S. and Canada, but be clear on the exclusions. If you’re traveling outside the U.S., ask about travel or honeymoon insurance that includes medical coverage for you and your new spouse. Encourage your wedding party to get travel insurance, too.
Extreme wedding Wedding liability

Medical payments

Cancellation/postponement

Loss of deposits

Rented property

Personal umbrella

Personal medical

 If your wedding party is going for an extreme wedding experience (think skydiving or bungee jumping), you might need excess and medical coverage add-ons. Remember that medical payments insurance covers others, but not you. Make sure you have personal medical coverage for yourself. Also make sure you understand what the vendor’s insurance covers to avoid gaps between your policy and theirs. A personal umbrella policy isn’t related to wedding insurance, but it’s another option to consider when other policies max out. Talk to your adviser for guidance.

Now that you’ve looked at your wedding through the risk liability lens, contact your insurance professional for help. You’ll be planning and protecting your wedding day bliss with confidence.