Weddings are among the most significant investments that many of us make in our lives. To protect that large investment, more and more people are opting to buy wedding insurance.

Here are a few scenarios that could be protected by insuring a wedding:

* Sudden severe weather prevents your celebration, or causes many of your guests to cancel.
* The charming restaurant you chose to host your rehearsal dinner has gone out of business, but not before they cashed your deposit check.
* One of your vendors or service providers fails to show, but keeps your deposit.
* A sudden illness or withdrawal of military leave makes it impossible for certain family members to attend.
* Your darling nephew--the ring bearer--loses the ring while “practicing” his entrance.
* Mid-hug, someone accidentally spills a glass of Merlot down the side of your antique wedding dress.

When choosing a wedding insurance company, look for providers who have been in business, have an established presence and provide the product you need at reasonable rates. You may also want to buy insurance at the beginning of your planning process, and purchase it before any significant deposits are made. However, if you are not the plan-ahead type, remember that cancellation insurance can still be purchased no later than 14 days before the event, and liability insurance can be purchased up to 24 hours before the event.

WedSafe.com is an insurance provider that I recommend. Their policies start as low as $75 and fall within two different categories:

* Liability & Property Damage Insurance protects you if you’re held financially liable for property damage, bodily injury or an alcohol-related accident. This is the type of insurance required by many wedding and reception venues.
* Event Cancellation / Postponement Plus protects your financial investment with coverage for nonrefundable expenses or lost deposits should you have to cancel or postpone your wedding.

Both types of policies can be purchased individually or together as a package. When purchased together, WedSafe offers a 15% savings on your premium.