Spending ₹20 Lakhs on a Wedding? One Storm Could Wipe It Out. Why You Need 'Wedding Insurance'

Spending ₹20 Lakhs on a Wedding?

You have booked the Taj Hotel. You have paid the caterer, the decorator, and the DJ. You have spent your life savings—perhaps ₹20 Lakhs or ₹50 Lakhs—to create the perfect "Big Fat Indian Wedding."

But life is unpredictable. A heavy monsoon floods the venue. A "Bandh" (political strike) shuts down the city. Or worse, an immediate family member passes away just days before the event. If you cancel, you could lose 100% of your advances.

Unless you have Wedding Insurance. For a premium as low as 0.7% to 2% of the total cost, you can secure your peace of mind.

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What Does It Actually Cover?

Most Indians don't even know this product exists. Insurers like HDFC Ergo, Bajaj Allianz, and Future Generali offer customized event insurance. Here is what they pay for:

1. Cancellation Due to "Acts of God"

If an earthquake, flood, or cyclonic storm makes the venue inaccessible, the policy refunds your non-recoverable advances. It also covers cancellation due to riots or strikes (Civil Unrest).

2. Personal Accident & Public Liability

Indian weddings are crowded. If a stage collapses and injures guests, or if the food causes mass food poisoning, you (the host) could be sued. This policy covers the medical bills and legal compensation.

3. Burglary of Cash and Jewelry

Weddings are magnets for thieves. Some policies cover money or valuables stolen from the venue safe or during transit. (Note: Theft by guests or staff is often excluded, so check the fine print!)

The "Cold Feet" Exclusion (Read This!)

Here is the most important rule: Wedding Insurance does NOT cover "Change of Heart."

If the bride or groom decides to call off the wedding because they had a fight or simply don't want to get married anymore, the insurance company pays ₹0. Disputes between families are also excluded. It only covers things out of your control.

Is It Expensive?

No. It is surprisingly cheap compared to the risk.

• Wedding Cost: ₹20 Lakhs
• Approximate Premium: ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 (plus GST)

Would you risk ₹20 Lakhs to save ₹15,000? It makes no financial sense to skip this.

Action Plan: Secure Your Big Day

1. Calculate Your "Risk" Budget: Total up all the non-refundable advances you have paid to vendors. This is your "Sum Insured."
2. Buy Early: Don't buy it 2 days before the wedding. Most insurers require purchase at least 15-30 days in advance.
3. The "GST Invoice" Rule: This is critical. You cannot claim expenses paid in unaccounted cash ("Black Money"). Insurance companies require official invoices with GST numbers to process refunds. Keep your paperwork clean.

(Disclaimer: Policy coverage varies by insurer. Suicide, pre-existing medical conditions, and cancellation due to lack of funds are typically excluded. This article is for educational purposes only. Consult an insurance advisor for details.)

Conclusion

Don't let bad luck turn your celebration into a financial tragedy. Your love story is priceless, but your wedding bills are real. Insure them today.