Make sure your wedding day is protected! 

When you're planning a wedding, getting insured is important to protect yourself against anything that could go awry just before, or on the big day.

For those aiming to tie the knot this year, Alex Cross, Insurance Director at Tesco Bank shares his top tips on things to consider for your wedding day and make sure you're covered so things can run as smoothly as possible.

1. Aim to be wedding-savvy
Weddings can be a pricey affair, with the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 coming in at around £20,755. Knowing the total cost of your wedding and how much you're spending on each element of your big day is crucial before choosing your insurance policy. Identifying any big-ticket expenses that you'll want covered should anything go wrong, such as venues, caterers, photographers, or dresses is also key. This can also help you decide if standard insurance policies will be enough or if you'll need something more specific or customised.

2. Take your time
Make sure time is on your side leading up to the big day - the more time the better. This ensures you can save sufficiently for your wedding and factor in any extra costs. Having a longer lead-up time to the wedding also means more time for preparation so you're cool-headed as the big day approaches. This means extra time to mull over the details, review your options and make the best possible decisions for yourself and the special event.

3. Research is key
If you're splashing out for your big day, it can also bring you peace of mind to invest in wedding insurance so you're financially protected in case anything unexpected happens, such as an issue with a vendor or supplier, or a wedding party member falling ill. It's good to bear in mind that every insurance policy is different when it comes to cancellations, lost or damaged items, and even disruption due to extreme weather conditions. This makes it important to read the fine print and make sure you're well informed on what you are and aren't covered for.

4. Familiarise yourself with your home contents policy
Check what is covered under your existing home and contents policy before you rush off to buy specialist wedding insurance. Most insurers will automatically uplift your contents insurance for a set time before and after the big day so things like dresses, suits, gifts, and decorations are covered and it's worth exploring if this is an available option before going elsewhere to save yourself some extra money. And in some cases, it doesn't just cover these items while they are in your home, but also cover the venue and while the items are being taken to and from the reception.

5 Consider other valuables
With larger items being taken care of, it can be easy to overlook some additional extras that need their own insurance policies, such as jewellery. Engagement and wedding rings can be expensive, or hold a great deal of sentimental value, so it's important to make sure these are protected should they get misplaced, stolen or damaged. Make the most of your insurance policy with specific cover by speaking to a specialist jeweller who can provide an up-to-date valuation of your jewellery, especially if it has precious stones or is a heirloom, And of course, don't forget the honeymoon! You'll need to organise separate travel insurance for this too so you're protected on your trip to continue wedding festivities.