The average cost of a wedding is now $28,000. That's a major expense for what usually amounts to being about a five hour party! It's no wonder families are considering wedding insurance to protect their investment. 

However, if purchasing a wedding policy is not in the cards, just make sure you're paying with one...a credit card, that is. Always use your credit card when placing orders & paying deposits. It can be your greatest financial protection during the several months of planning (and paying for) your wedding.

For example, let's say you pay your bridal salon a deposit to get started on making your dress. This is not unusual, as most vendors require a substantial deposit before beginning work. Now let's say the bridal salon goes out of business prior to delivering that beautiful dress of yours. Are you protected? If you paid by cash or check, you're out of luck. However, if you paid by credit card, you can contact the credit card company to get your deposit refunded.

Here's another benefit: cardmember perks! Many credit card companies offer bonuses such as airline partner miles, points, or other awards based on spending. You could earn enough points paying for your wedding to cover airfaire on the honeymoon!

We wouldn't be good planners if we didn't tell you to be responsible with your credit card spending. Know your budget, and don't get in over your head. The last thing you want to do is spend the first few years of marriage swimming in wedding credit card debt.