5 Overlooked Risks Wedding Suppliers Still Don't Insure Against In 2025

In an industry where the stakes are emotionally high and reputations mean everything, most wedding suppliers do understand the need for basic Public Liability cover. However, in 2025 many businesses remain underinsured in areas that could lead to serious financial and legal headaches.

Whether you’re a florist, caterer, bridal retailer or wedding planner, overlooking these common risks could cost more than just an unhappy couple. Here are five gaps we frequently see in wedding business insurance cover:

1. Cyber Incidents and Online Payment Fraud

Many wedding suppliers now rely on online booking systems, digital payments and cloud-based client management tools, but what we’re seeing is that cyber insurance cover is not considered as an essential cover to purchase within the wedding industry – despite the rise in small business targeted scams

The risk in real terms:

Bridal retailer: You receive what looks like a genuine email from your payment processor asking you to “confirm your login details.” Within hours, your account is compromised, and several customers report fraudulent charges after trying to pay deposits through your online system. You're now facing refund demands, reputational fallout, and potential ICO scrutiny for data protection failures.

Wedding planners: A hacker gains access to your Gmail account and starts replying to couples posing as you, requesting early payments to a fake bank account. One client pays a £3,000 venue deposit to the fraudster before discovering the scam. They're furious and expect you to take responsibility, despite the hack being outside your control. Legal costs and brand trust are on the line.

2. Poor Subcontractor Vetting

Wedding suppliers regularly bring in extra help, so if you hire freelancers or subcontractors such as a second photographer, a band member, or a freelance make up artist, assuming they’re automatically covered under your wedding business insurance without checking could mean taking on more risk that your policy allows.

Why it matters:

Your Public Liability section may not cover claims arising from the actions of bona fide subcontractors (BFSC) unless specific conditions are met. A BFSC is someone who:

• Works independently and provides their own tools and equipment;
• Is not under your direct control or supervision; and
• Has their own valid insurance

If they don’t meet those standards, (or you can’t prove it), they may instead be treated as a labour-only subcontractor or temporary employee and your insurer would expect them to be covered under your policy.

Top tip: Always request and retain evidence of the subcontractor’s current liability insurance. Ensure your own wedding planning insurance or photography insurance policy includes cover for bona fide subcontractors and check any policy limits or requirements around their use.

3. Inadequate stock cover for events and peak season

A lot of wedding retailers and florists underestimate the value of stock held on-site or in storage during peak wedding season months. Many standard policies have low limits for sums insured and do not account for seasonal surges.

The risk in real terms

A bridal retailer: suffers a water leak from the flat above the shop that causes thousands of pounds worth of damage to dresses. As it’s peak wedding season, the shop has an increased amount of stock and you did not update your sums insured on your stock and contents policy. You could be subject to the underinsurance clause for not declaring the full sums insured on your business premises and end up paying for a lot of the claim yourself.

Pro-tip: Our retail policies automatically include ‘seasonal increase’ meaning your stock will automatically be increased by 30% during your peak trading period. This means that you wouldn’t have to inform us of your increases in stock if within the 30% increase during your peak trading times of the year allowing you to focus on your customers and not worry about insurance admin. If you’re not a retailer then speak to your broker about adjustable limits.

4. Intellectual Property disputes over branding or content

In the age of social media marketing and online portfolios, wedding suppliers are more visible than ever and this means greater risk of intellectual property issues, especially around photography usage branding or music licensing.

Real-world example:

A wedding planner uses a photo from a past event on Instagram without the photographer’s permission, assuming it’s harmless. A legal letter follows demanding fees for unauthorised commercial use.

Why this matters: Many business owners don’t realise that copyright infringement (even if unintentional) can result in costly legal claims. Without Professional Indemnity cover which picks up intellectual property infringement, you’re on your own.

Quick win: Always check licensing on creative assets and consider Professional indemnity insurance as part of your business policy.

5.Equipment Hire Liability – Who Pays When It Breaks?

Wedding suppliers regularly hire in items like décor, lighting, sound systems, props or marquees, but when something is lost or damaged, the assumption is often: “The hire company will sort it.” Not always and usually not without conditions.

Risk in real terms:

A wedding planner hires elegant candelabras and furniture for a luxury marquee reception. Overnight, strong winds damage several pieces and a few are stolen. The hire company demands compensation, but the planner hadn’t added the value to their wedding business insurance policy.

Top tip: If you regularly hire or borrow equipment, make sure you:

• Include it in your contents or hired-in cover limits
• Understand your liability under hire agreements
• Follow all security and storage conditions in your policy

Insurance shouldn’t just be a tick box exercise, especially in the wedding industry where trust and reputation mean so much and small mistakes can carry big consequences. By addressing these over-looked risks with the right bridal shop insurance, wedding planning insurance or wedding business insurance policy, wedding suppliers can build more resilient businesses ready to thrive throughout the wedding season.

Protect Your Wedding Business Today

Don’t leave your bridal shop or wedding planning business exposed to unexpected risks. Whether you’re a florist, caterer, or wedding planner, having the right bridal shop insurance, wedding planning insurance, or comprehensive wedding business insurance is essential for peace of mind. Get a tailored quote today and ensure your business is fully covered throughout the busy wedding season. Contact us now to speak with an expert or start your online quote in minutes!