Do I need Wedding Insurance and what is it?

You may have probably heard wedding horror stories of things going wrong - the bridal party getting lost on the way to the ceremony, the wedding cake falling over, the DJ, Band or photobooth not showing up. 

While most wedding fails are not as dramatic, they can still cause a lot of stress and cost money to fix. That is where wedding insurance comes in. 

Wedding insurance can protect you from any number of wedding catastrophes, from cancellations to bad weather. 

If you are planning your wedding, then you should consider purchasing wedding insurance. 

Below we will discuss what wedding insurance is and why you may need it. 

What is Wedding Insurance?

Wedding Insurance is a type of insurance that protects you from financial loss in the event that something goes wrong with your wedding. 

For example, if a wedding planner goes bankrupt, wedding insurance can help reimburse lost deposits. 

If your wedding is cancelled due to bad weather, wedding insurance can help reimburse other non-refundable expenses like airfare and hotel rooms etc

Other things covered can include cancellations, accidental damage, or even the death of a family member. 

It's important to note that the cost of wedding insurance will vary based on a number of factors, including the size and location of your wedding, the type of coverage you need etc etc

For example, if you're having a small wedding with only 50 guests, you might not need the same level of coverage as a couple who's hosting a 300-person destination wedding somewhere. 

Or, if you're worried about weather-related disasters, you might opt for a policy with higher coverage limits for things like cancellations and postponements. 

Ultimately, the best way to figure out how much wedding insurance you need is to speak with an insurance agent who can help you understand the various coverage options and choose a policy that fits your needs. 
While wedding insurance isn't required, it can give you peace of mind knowing that you're protected in case of any unexpected disasters on your big day. 
And, if something does go wrong, wedding insurance can help you recover some of the costs so that you can focus on what's important - enjoying your new marriage! 
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​Should I take out Wedding Insurance?
Imagine what could happen if your wedding day was cancelled due to torrential rain, an injury, or another unforeseen circumstance. All of the money that you've spent on vendors, deposits, and other wedding-related expenses would be lost. 

Wedding insurance is designed to protect you from financial loss in the event that your wedding needs to be cancelled or postponed. 

The average cost of a wedding in the UK is around £20,000-30,000. However, this number can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and type of wedding. 

Many wedding vendors require a deposit to secure their services, and these deposits can be non-refundable if the wedding is cancelled. Wedding insurance can help reimburse you for these non-refundable deposits.

Wedding insurance can also cover other expenses, such as the cost of rescheduling the wedding or renting a new venue if the original venue becomes unavailable. 

In short, wedding insurance is a smart investment that can save you a  lot of money and stress in the event that something goes wrong with your wedding. 

If you're still on the fence about whether or not to purchase wedding insurance, we recommend doing some research to figure out what type of coverage is right for you. 

There are many different types of policies available, so it's important to find one that fits your specific needs. 

What about my Honeymoon? Would that be covered under my wedding insurance policy?

For many couples, the cost of the honeymoon represents a significant part of their wedding budget. 

As a result, it's not surprising that one of the most common questions insurers get asked is whether or not honeymoon costs are covered under a standard wedding insurance policy in the event that a couple has to cancel their wedding. 

The answer to this question is unfortunately "usually" no. 

You need to take out a separate travel insurance policy for your honeymoon.

However, there are some things that you can do to try and recoup some of the costs. 

For example, if you have to cancel your honeymoon due to a covered reason under your wedding insurance policy (such as the illness of a close family member), you may be able to get a refund on any non-refundable travel expenses. 

It's always best to check with your insurer beforehand to see what is and isn't covered. 

What is not covered by wedding insurance?

There are of course certain items that are NOT covered under a standard wedding insurance policy.

These items can include: 

cancellations due to "cold feet" 
expenses incurred if the wedding is postponed for no specific reason
loss or damage to gifts 
separation before the big day. 
Some insurers may offer optional extras to cover these excluded items, so it's always worth checking with your provider. 

Is Covid covered by Wedding Insurance?

The question of whether or not Covid is covered by wedding insurance is a difficult one to answer. 

This is because the virus is still relatively new, and many insurance companies are still developing their policies to cope with the Virus.

Some insurers may still classify Covid as an "act of God," which is a term used to describe an event that is beyond human control.  Others are now actively using Covid cover as a selling point, so it is worth shopping around.

In the meantime, we recommend always checking with your insurer to see if they do have specific cover.

How to make a claim on your wedding insurance.

Making a claim on your wedding insurance is not as difficult as you might think. If something goes wrong on your big day, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you are covered. 

Here are the steps you need to take to make a claim: 

First, contact your insurer as soon as possible. 
They will then send you a claim form, which you will need to fill out and return. 
Include any supporting documentation, such as receipts or quotes. 
Once your claim has been processed, you will receive a payout. 
It is important to remember that wedding insurance is there to protect you from the unexpected. 

So, if something does go wrong, don't hesitate to make a claim. 

Better to be safe than sorry!
If you're not sure whether you need wedding insurance, our advice is to err on the side of caution and go for it.  

Don't let something as unpredictable as the weather ruin your wedding day. Be sure to purchase wedding insurance to protect yourself from any financial losses! 

Have you got your wedding insurance sorted? Let us know in the comments below.

1. How would you define your style?
I personally shoot mostly with a photojournalism (or reportage) style, but I mix this with a blend of contemporary fashion-inspired images.
Ultimately, I work with you to get the final "mix" just right, but I aim for a contemporary rather than a traditional look.
I want to be able to tell a story of your day in pictures, ensure everyone has a relaxed and fun time doing it. 
follow this link for examples   https://www.stuartmacroryphotography.com/portfolio.html
2. I have certain ideas I would like - can you do these?
Of course - I love to hear new ideas. I'll try anything and work with you along the way.
3. Can you show me a complete set of recent wedding pictures?
On my website, you'll find some of the most recent weddings I have featured on my blog. However if requested I can show you examples of a number of completed weddings, ensuring you are seeing what a final finished full wedding would look like rather than just my favourite images.
4. Are you insured?
Yes, I am fully insured for public liability and professional indemnity and all my equipment is covered for loss, damage, flood, plagues of locusts etc.
5. Are you a member of any professional organisations?
Yes I am very proud to be a current member of the PPANI and have the qualification of LPPANI I was also a member of the BIPP and gained the qualification of LBIPP.
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6. What happens if you fall ill on the day?
I take an aspirin and plough on.  On a more serious note, being a member of a professional association, I have access to their "SOS" system to help out in a crisis.  I also have a good relationship with a number of other photographers who offer stand by support if such an event was such to occur.
7. What happens if your camera develops a fault?
I have backups and I have backups for my backups also all my cameras take 2 memory cards so after each photo I take it is backed up to a second card. 
8. What happens if it rains?
We might all get a bit wet and I love a good challenge! Unfortunately in Ireland this does tend to happen quite frequently so I always plan for it and would discuss a plan B with you.
9. Can my other guests take pictures?
Of course they can, I am more than happy with this, they are your closest friends and family after all, just as long as they dont photobomb every shot lol but I do request that no-one tags along at the couple session shoot part of the day as I like to keep things relaxed as possible and if you have your Uncle Alan with a camera over my shoulder it will not help you guys stay relaxed.
10. Can you take a picture of my favourite Aunt/Uncle/cat/dog etc and how long will all the family group shots take?
Yes, yes, yes and yes if there are any must have pictures on the day just let me know but please be aware the more group shots you want the more time you may need to schedule into your day. I would allow around 2-3 minutes per group shot which doesnt sound alot but it adds up.

11. When will I see my pictures and do I get digital copies of them all?
I always supply a few sneek peeks within a few days of the wedding and the complete wedding will be fully edited and delivered to you 8-12 weeks after the wedding (depending on time of year).
12. How can I actually be sure that you are any good and if we will get along?
I hope my portfolio, facebook page and instagram speak for themselves. I have been awared Wedding Photographer Of The Year and have well over 100 5 star reviews online. I like to think I am fairly likeable and Im more than happy to meet up for a chat before you decide to book me.
13.Being Wedding Photographer Of The Year does that mean you have automatically went and bumped your prices up?
Absolutely not and there is nothing I hate more than big egos. I have tailored my pricing to try as best as I can to fit all budgets.
14. who will actually take my photographs?
I personally shoot and edit all the wedding images one at a time myself, its me and only me every step of the way.
15. Can I add on a second photographer?
I find in more than 90% of cases its not needed but should you want one I can bring a partner for a small fee.

16. Do you cope well under pressure and what about any emergencies on the day?
Yes Im a fairly relaxed individual and cope well under pressure in fact for me a little squirt of adrenaline is just what I need. With regards to emergencies Ive shot over 500 weddings and Ive pretty much seen and dealt with it all (you probably wouldnt believe the stories I could tell you).
17. How far ahead do I need to book my photographer?
Honestly? The sooner the better. Im reguarly taking bookings for three and even four years ahead!! 
18. My wedding is not in Ireland is that a problem?
No problem at all. Speedos and sun cream can be packed within moments. In all seriousness Im more than happy to travel, I dont even charge extra as long as travel and accomodation is supplied.
19. Fantastic how do we book?
Its very very easy just fill out my contact form on the link below and I'll be back in touch in a matter of hours or even minutes.
https://www.stuartmacroryphotography.com/contact.html
20. Do you require a booking fee?
Yes to hold your date I require a £150.00 booking fee which of course is deducted from your balance.
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Ive had the pleasure to work alongside some great professionals .....but heres a few that I dont think you should look past 

Ian Higginson Media (videographer).  ​www.ianhigginson.com/

So it appears it is possible to have an amazing fun filled wedding in this day and age. 
Loved every part of this wedding from the moment I arrived. No stress, no tension and just plenty of laughs (well apart from when one of the men destroyed his shirt with an Iron) and before you roll your eyes ladies he was multi tasking at the time so not his fault. Anyway here's a quick look at how the day went, hope you enjoy!!


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What a year ! But im not even going to go there...............So here is a quick selection of shots to show you how it went.

2020! We are sick of hearing it so I'll mention it now and get it out of the way. COVID.........it has alot to answer for and its been a long struggle from a business point of view but one positive to come from it all is garden weddings. Intimate, personal, extremely relaxed with no real strict schedule to stick to. Think of the best house party you have been to but better dressed, better food, better craic and with a wedding ceremony dropped in early on in the day. Hannah & David are a couple absolutely suited to a garden wedding.
Free spirits, layed back, full of fun and so well matched. So what better place to get married than their beautiful home they have made for themselves. (think cottage,chickens,and self sufficiency)
I must also give out two awards at one wedding - The grooms hair style award AND the Brides shoe award!

Any how I like to think my images speak better than me so heres a small slideshow to give you an idea how the day went.

Tom & Rachel travelled from England to have their wedding at the Europa hotel......have I told you how much I love city centre weddings?
The day started with the ladies in the morning getting all the preps, super laid back and relaxed.
I headed to the hotel to get some shots of the men getting ready before the service. Its funny the contrast between the men and the women on the morning. Ladies- hair, makeup, flowers, jewellery, perfume, putting the dress on, putting double sided sticky tape on all sorts of areas, then the sewing kit is produced for an emergency and then OMG heres the cars!!!! ,Men- shower, shave, suit , beer lol
After the service we headed with the bridal party to the Crown Bar for a quick pint ( I didnt have one, the pictures would be blurry) and then onto Botanic Gardens. 
After all the formalities were out of the way the party started and didnt stop until I left.
A brilliant couple and family to work with and heres just a very small selection as to what went on . hope you like.

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Sarah & Gareth travelled from their home in Australia to get married and Im super glad they did! Within 30 seconds of meeting this couple I felt like I had known them for years. Their laid back and fun personalities rubbed off on everyone which made what was an amazing day so much better. 
The Mill at Ballydugan as usual were unreal ........the venue , location, staff and food cannot be faulted. 
Anyway , heres just a very small selection of images from the day . Hope you like them