Do I Really Need Wedding Insurance?
Photo Credit: Rachel Giese Creative
When you're planning a low key, backyard celebration, or a formal, elegant, luxury wedding in Chicago, insurance is probably the last thing you want to think about. Between finding your dream venue, booking your vendors, and obsessing over the perfect shade of mauve, something like “event liability coverage” can feel like overkill. But here's the truth:
Wedding insurance exists to protect the investment you're making — and your peace of mind.
As planners, we’ve seen how the unexpected can (and does) happen. A broken ankle on the dance floor. A surprise snowstorm. A venue that suddenly closes its doors. The right coverage doesn’t make those moments easier — but it does make them manageable.
So let’s break it down:
What is Wedding Liability Insurance?
Liability coverage protects you in case someone gets hurt or something gets damaged during your wedding. This is often a requirement from your venue — many now require couples to carry a Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) listing the venue as “additionally insured.”
Think of it like:
A guest slipping and falling during the reception
Property damage at your venue (scratched floors, broken furniture)
Alcohol-related incidents or injuries
If something goes wrong, liability insurance helps cover the costs — so you're not left personally responsible.
What is Wedding Cancellation or Postponement Insurance?
Cancellation insurance helps reimburse you for non-refundable costs if something major forces you to cancel or postpone your event. That includes natural disasters, severe illness, vendor no-shows, military deployment, or unexpected issues with your venue.
This can help cover:
Lost deposits
Venue fees
Vendor costs
Travel or accommodations
Even your wedding dress or attire
Note: Most cancellation insurance must be purchased soon after booking your first deposit, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Photo Credit: Joined Purposefully Photography
Why Do You Need Wedding Insurance?
Aside from the emotional investment, weddings often cost tens of thousands of dollars. Protecting that investment is just smart planning.
Here’s why we strongly recommend it:
Venues are requiring it. Liability coverage is now a standard ask from many Chicago-area venues and vendors.
Life is unpredictable. From weather to health emergencies to last-minute snafus, insurance offers a layer of financial and emotional security.
It shows you're proactive. Couples who plan ahead and protect their vendors, guests, and budget are easier to work with and have smoother experiences overall.
Most wedding liability insurance packages cost between $100 and $200, depending on your coverage level. That’s about the same as a bridal bouquet — but a whole lot more practical if things go sideways. (And unlike your flowers, this one won’t wilt by morning.)
Photo Credit: Allie Idrac
Our Recommended Insurance Providers
We always encourage couples to check with their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance first — some policies offer event coverage as an add-on. But if you need stand-alone wedding coverage, these are great places to start:
EventSured (our preferred partner – easy to use and well-reviewed)
All offer customizable liability and cancellation/postponement options, with clear pricing and responsive customer service.
Do My Vendors Also Need Insurance?
Most venues also require that your vendors carry a $2 million aggregate coverage, $1 million per occurrence, and list the venue as “Additional Insured” for General Liability insurance. This covers the venue if they’re also brought into a lawsuit. You may also need to have your insurance list the venue as well.
One Last Thing
As planners, we help you create a seamless day — but we also believe in protecting what you've built. Wedding insurance isn’t about assuming the worst; it’s about knowing you’ve done everything you can to care for your people, your vendors, and yourselves.
Still have questions about what kind of coverage you need? We’re always happy to chat through it or help you understand your venue's requirements. Just reach out.
