by Danielle Andrews, President and Co-Founder of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Inc.
A Quick Disclaimer: Before we begin, this article is not legal advice. We are not a law firm, and this content is intended to highlight and explain a growing trend in the wedding industry. If you or your clients require legal guidance, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified lawyer.
Why This Matters to Us as Wedding Planners
As wedding planners, we are not just designers, coordinators, or timelines experts, we are also advocates and educators for our clients.
Recently, we’ve seen an increase in non-disparagement clauses being included in venue and vendor contracts. Many couples sign agreements without fully understanding what these clauses mean, and that’s where we come in.
This is an opportunity for planners to step into a leadership role:
Educating clients so they can make informed, confident decisions
What Is a Non-Disparagement Clause?
A non-disparagement clause is a contractual term that restricts a client from making negative statements about a business.
In real wedding terms, this can mean:
- A couple cannot leave a negative review online
- They cannot publicly share a poor experience
- They may even be restricted from discussing issues privately
And here’s the key issue:
These clauses can apply even if the couple’s experience is truthful and valid
Explaining the Difference to Clients: Non-Disparagement vs. Defamation
This is where clients often get confused (and where your guidance is incredibly valuable.)
Defamation (What Clients Think This Is)
Defamation involves:
- A false statement
- That harms a business’s reputation
The most important thing to explain:
Truth is a defense against defamation
If a client shares a factual, honest experience, they are generally protected.
Non-Disparagement (What It Actually Is)
Non-disparagement clauses are different:
- They are part of a contract the client agrees to
- They can restrict both true and false statements
- Even an honest review could violate the agreement
The simplest way to explain it to your clients:
Defamation is about lies.
Non-disparagement can prevent you from telling the truth!
How We Should Advise Our Clients
This is not about creating fear, it’s about creating awareness.
1. Encourage Clients to Read Every Contract Carefully
Let them know:
- Look for terms like “non-disparagement,” “public statements,” “reviews,” or “reputation”
- These clauses are often buried in the fine print
2. Flag It, Don’t Interpret It
As planners, our role is not to provide legal advice, but we can say:
“This clause may limit your ability to leave a review or speak about your experience. You may want to have a lawyer review this before signing.”
That alone is powerful.
3. Normalize Asking Questions
Empower your clients to ask:
- “What does this clause mean for our ability to leave an honest review?”
- “Would you consider revising or removing this clause?”
Many clients don’t realize contracts can be negotiated, especially at the luxury level.
4. Identify Red Flags
As planners, we develop strong instincts.
If a vendor:
- Is proactively trying to prevent feedback
- Refuses to discuss or amend the clause
- Becomes defensive when asked about reviews
That’s valuable information when guiding your client’s decisions.
5. Recommend Legal Review When Needed
For higher-budget weddings or complex contracts, it’s completely appropriate to suggest a quick legal review for peace of mind. Especially when restrictive clauses are present
The Legal Landscape (What We Can Share at a High Level)
While we are not lawyers, we can responsibly inform clients of the broader context:
- Non-disparagement clauses are sometimes used in business-to-business (B2B) contracts
- Weddings, however, are consumer transactions
There is a growing movement to protect consumers:
- Laws like the Consumer Review Fairness Act prohibit businesses from banning honest reviews
- In Ontario, consumer protection frameworks already challenge unfair contract terms
- Upcoming legislation in Ontario is expected to further void, or restrict, non-disparagement clauses in consumer agreements
The direction is clear:
Consumers should have the right to share honest experiences.
Why This Impacts the Entire Industry
As planners, we rely on a transparent ecosystem:
- We recommend vendors based on real experiences
- Our clients rely on reviews to make informed decisions
- Trust is everything
If honest feedback is silenced:
- Poor service becomes harder to identify
- Great vendors lose the opportunity to shine authentically
- The entire industry becomes less accountable
Our Role as Industry Leaders
This is where we elevate our value beyond logistics.
When we:
- Educate our clients
- Encourage transparency
- Advocate for fairness
We position ourselves as:
✨ Trusted advisors
✨ Industry professionals
✨ Protectors of the client experience
Final Thought
Non-disparagement clauses are a growing trend, but they don’t have to become the norm.
The best vendors don’t need to silence their clients. They earn glowing reviews through exceptional service.
As wedding planners, we play a critical role in ensuring our clients understand exactly what they’re signing, before they sign it!
About Danielle Andrews, BA, WPICC
Danielle Andrews is the Co-Founder and President of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC Inc.) and has been a certified wedding planner for over 25 years. Recognized as one of Eventex’s 100 Most Influential Wedding Professionals for 2025, Danielle is dedicated to elevating the standards of the wedding industry through education, mentorship, and professionalism. She has trained thousands of planners worldwide, planned weddings across the globe, and continues to mentor new professionals to build successful, ethical, and sustainable businesses in the ever-evolving world of weddings.
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