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In all the excitement of planning your wedding day, a finger waved about insurance and 'what if' scenarios is not fun. Having someone tell you 'I told you so' is not much better. So, we have got the low-down from Ros Urbanowicz, financial adviser at independent insurance broker, The Wilson Organisation on taking out wedding cover.

With the average wedding now setting couples and families back a staggering £16,000 to £25,000, a few financial precautions need to be taken. Unless the likes of Hello and OK! magazine are picking up the hefty bill, then the first step is to start planning exactly who will be paying for what.

The major expenses of a wedding are the reception, rings, honeymoon and bridal dress. Then there are the flowers, photography, church and registrar fees, car hire, invites, wedding cake and numerous other costs to think about.

Confetti.co.uk has reported that around 80-85% of couples don't take out wedding insurance. We know having to look at policies can be boring compared to choosing your dress or looking forward to your hen night, but taking out adequate cover should be on the 'to do' list. Not convinced? Then read on...

Top Ten Common Claims:
· Bankruptcy of supplier
· Damaged wedding attire
· Loss of rings
· Theft of wedding gifts
· Public liability - property damage
· Cancellation because the venue was double-booked
· Transport fails to arrive
· Caterers fail to turn up at the reception
· Cancellation due to illness or bereavement
· Re-staging photographs due to photographer not arriving

Top Five Unusual Claims:
· Emergency transport to get the vicar to the ceremony
· Replacing stolen tableware and cutlery the evening before the reception
· Road assistance for a stuck wedding vehicle
· The bride falling over in the aisle and breaking her ankle
· The marquee washing away

You’ll be insured by most companies against the main items such as damage to your wedding outfits, rings, flowers and cake, and even re-staging photographs and videos at a later date. Some policies cover everything from the marquee washing away, the guests injuring themselves, and the church burning down. You should be looking to take out insurance before you pay the deposits on any bookings made in case the supplier goes bankrupt or can’t fulfil your order or reservation.

None of these policies will cover you if someone has a change of heart, or if your photographs are not how you planned because your partner had a large spot on the day or it started to rain, or even if you had simply run out of money and had to cancel the wedding. You will also not be covered if you or your fiancé injure yourselves whilst playing sport or riding a motorbike leading up to the wedding.

It is advisable to first sit down and work out exactly what you need cover for. For example, if you’re getting married abroad you’d want insurance that covers you for the flights if they’re delayed, and the transportation of your wedding dress in case it gets lost or damaged in the airport.

There is also the question of insuring wedding presents when you go away on your honeymoon. It is a good idea to increase your home insurance. Make sure you check your policy and declare any expensive heirlooms, plasma TV’s, new leather suites or similar high-value gifts, before you go away.

If in doubt, ask plenty of questions and seek external advice from an insurer to get the right cover for what could be the biggest, most extravagant but happiest day of your life.