Do you need wedding insurance?

Q: What's wedding insurance and how do I know if I need it?

A: Wedding insurance means you'll be reimbursed if something beyond your control goes wrong, like if your photographer goes out of business or your reception venue begins necessary construction, and you lose your deposit and have to rebook.

Comb each contract you have with your vendors. If none of them mentions coverage that protects you in those cases, then insurance could be a good idea. Most companies will protect you even after you've put down your deposits, but most couples purchase wedding insurance as they start booking venues. Most wedding-insurance companies have a reimbursement cap based on the plan you purchase, which you base on your wedding costs.

Some couples also get wedding-liability insurance, which covers you should someone get hurt if your wedding involves any risky excursions. If you're planning to have your ceremony on a speedboat, it's probably worth it.

Carley Roney, co-founder and editor in chief of The Knot, offers advice on modern wedding etiquette.