Do wedding supplier side hustles need insurance?

More people than ever are turning their creative talents into wedding-related side hustles - whether that’s floral designs from the garden shed, baking wedding cakes on weekends or photographing ceremonies alongside a full-time job.

For many, it’s a natural step to turn a passion project into profit, test the waters before going full time or simply earn extra income doing something you love. However, even small, part-time ventures can face the same risks as a full-time business and that’s where the right insurance makes all the difference.

Insurance matters for part-time and home-based wedding suppliers

It’s a common misconception that if your business is small or based at home, you don’t need insurance. Unfortunately, most standard home insurance policies don’t cover business activities, stock, or client visits.

That means if a client trips in your home studio, your camera is stolen from a car, or a wedding venue claims for property damage, you could be personally liable for the costs. Having proper wedding supplier insurance gives you peace of mind, protects your income, and shows clients and venues you’re professional and trustworthy.

Why many wedding side hustles think they don't need insurance

Many people start their wedding and events side hustle as something small and flexible, or just a way to earn extra income. This can mean it feels unnecessary to think about insurance, but in reality that’s where problems can arise.

Here are the most common reasons side hustlers believe they don’t need cover:

• "It's just a hobby"

Selling the occasional bouquet, cake or handmade décor piece can feel too informal to need insurance, that’s until something goes wrong and a client expects compensation.

• "I work from home, so I'm already covered"

Most home insurance policies exclude business use. That means your business equipment, stock or liability for client visits usually isn’t protected.

• "I don't see clients in-person"

Even online or delivery-only businesses face risks such as missing a brief and expectations, copyright infringement or data protection breaches. Not forgetting Products liability is also another cover that would protect side-hustles who send their creations in the post against claims for faulty products that cause bodily injury or third party property damage.

• "It's only part-time"

The scale of your business doesn’t change the potential size of a claim. A single incident such as dyed flowers damaging the bride’s dress could be costly.

• "Insurance will be too expensive or complicated

In reality, insurance for wedding suppliers can be affordable, simple to arrange, and tailored to your exact activities. A specialist broker who understands the wedding industry can help you get the right cover without unnecessary extras.

The main types of insurance for wedding side hustles

Public liability insurance

This is often the first essential cover wedding suppliers arrange. It covers bodily injury and third-party property damage claims from clients, venues or members of the public. For example, a floral arrangement toppling over and causing water damage to the venue’s carpet.

Business equipment or stock cover

Your equipment is the backbone of your side hustle, whether that’s a high-end camera, DJ mixers, hired décor and props. Home contents policies rarely cover business use, so separate cover ensures you can replace key kit quickly if it’s lost, stolen or damaged.

Employers’ liability insurance

If your part-time wedding business grows and you hire anyone, even casually or voluntarily, you’ll likely need this cover by law. It protects you if an employee gets injured or becomes ill as a result of their work and you or the business are negligent in your duties.

Professional indemnity insurance

For wedding planners, stylists or designers who give advice or creative direction, this protects you if a client claims your advice caused a financial loss. For example, a mistake in a design brief or supplier schedule.

Tips for finding the right cover for your wedding and events side hustle

1) Be transparent with your insurer: let them know you’re running a business from home, even part-time. It ensures your cover is valid.

2) Tailor your policy: The needs of a freelance photographer differ from those of a florist or cake maker, so choose insurance designed for your specific trade.

Review your cover regularly: as your side hustle business grows, your risks and equipment will change. Reviewing your insurance helps you stay protected as your business evolves.

Protect your passion and your progress

Running a part-time wedding and events business is exciting, flexible, and rewarding. It can be your creative outlet, an income boost, or the first step towards building a full-time career in the wedding industry, but accidents, damages and disputes can happen at any stage, and without insurance, they can be financially devastating.

At the Wedding Insurance Group, we’re the UK’s only specialist insurance broker for wedding suppliers. Whether you’re an established professional or just starting a wedding and events side hustle, we can help you find cover that fits your needs and grows with your business.

Get a quote or speak to our friendly team today on 0121 550 2380