Your wedding day is very special and a big financial commitment, with the average cost now over £17,000. But what do you do when everything goes wrong and your big day is a big disaster? This to most brides is the unthinkable that should never be talked about, because of the fear of 'tempting fate'. Nevertheless, it is always a possibility that should be considered when planning your wedding. However, most disasters are out of the control of the bride and groom and therefore almost impossible to plan around.

For example, in these tough financial times with the credit crunch becoming a credit crisis and now a credit calamity, what happens if your wedding venue goes into liquidation? Wedding cancellation can be caused by a host of problems and reasons beyond your control such as illness of the bride, groom or a member of the wedding party. The cake may not arrive or the reception venue for the wedding breakfast may have a fire or be closed due to an outbreak of Salmonella.

One wedding disaster recently was caused when a slightly inebriated guest released a Chinese lantern next to the wedding marquee; the prevailing breeze caused the lantern to collide with the marquee setting fire to the roof. Thankfully coated with a fire retardant coating no one was heart, although the wedding party were given a large repair bill, as the use of the lanterns contravened the insurance policy of the event hire company.

I have see a number of disappointed brides over the years, and as the wedding photographer I can tell you an upset bride does not make for good wedding photographs. From the flowers not arriving to disastrous weather conditions, Fire and Flood, I have seen them all.

Life has little ups and downs, but the first day of your married life should only be up. But if you are unfortunate enough to have one of those down days that spoil your wedding. There is hope, if you have thought ahead. I recommend to all my clients, that they invest in wedding insurance for your big day. This is inexpensive and just might help give you a little peace of mind, that even if the worst happens; you will not be 'out of pocket'.

Simple advice, but valuable; don't let your enthusiasm for the perfect wedding stop you from being ready with an insurance claim form when everything turns out to be the wedding from hell.