Warning over wedding day injuries

APNZ

12 Sep, 2013 02:11 AM2 mins to read

File photo / Thinkstock

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Weddings are supposed to be the happiest day of your life - try telling that to the hundreds of people who make ACC claims for injuries at ceremonies.

From tripping on the bride's dress to swallowing the ring, nuptials can be surprisingly hazardous.

New figures show at least 600 people made claims to the ACC between 2010 and 2012.

Dancefloors were the most dangerous place, generating about 160 claims. Falls accounted for about 100 and high heels for another 30.

ACC spokesman John Beaglehole said the numbers didn't necessarily identify all wedding-related injuries - only those where weddings were mentioned on claim forms.

Several injuries were sustained by people jumping to catch the bouquet and others happened during the set-up phase - back strains from moving tables, lifting cases of wine and carrying musical equipment, or falls while stringing up lights and decorations.

Wedding day cricket matches, running races and sack races also ended in injuries.

So did hugging too tight and biting into foreign objects in the cake or other food.

Claims have even been made for accidentally swallowing the rings or other jewellery.

"We don't want to rain on anyone's wedding day but what these claims show is that injuries can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time," Mr Beaglehole said.

"Just being aware of that can act as a prompt to do simple things to reduce the risk, such as cleaning up spills, taking care when lifting heavy objects and using sharp knives, and drinking responsibly.