And yet, weddings are expensive (11,000 euros on average), and although it’s too awful to contemplate, things can go wrong (e.g. a mislaid wedding ring, the reception venue being flooded, a witness down with the ‘flu etc).

Destination Mariage offers cover for a wide range of risks (cancellation, postponement, organizer’s third-party liability, special cover for photographers, wedding rings, the wedding gown, wedding gifts etc). In addition, it covers both marriages and contracts of civil union (PACS ni French) in metropolitan France and the French Overseas Departments. SPB markets this product on its site www.destination-mariage.fr, by telephone (0825 898 184), and by post, and it is also available through intermediaries such as wedding planners, venue rental firms or mass retail chains offering wedding lists).