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Dedicated April 2019

Non Disparagement Clauses

Emily, on September 6, 2018 at 10:46 AM Posted in Planning 0 10
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So I found 2 photographers I love. Weighed the pros and cons and decided on the lower cost one (over $1000 savings but still not cheap).

We get the contract and there's a non Disparagement clause. Note that I in no way used online reviews for my decision, so reviews being skewed due to the clause doesn't really apply. I looked at his work and some brides' blogs who used him to decide. I follow him on Instagram and his photos are lovely. However the non disparagement clause scares me. What are they hiding?

He is redoing his contract, and I have the tendency to believe the best of people and think that it's mostly in there from him reading some of the many sites that recommend them due to risk of Bridezillas. Or even some of the entrepreneurship sites that recommend them.

So I'm torn. A lot of people are telling me to run for the hills. The Knot's article says the same. A friend asked her photographer friend about it and he called it unethical.

Has anyone signed vendors that have these? How common are they really? How much hesitation should this really cause?

Thanks for your thoughts.

10 Comments

Latest activity by HayMrsO, on September 6, 2018 at 2:44 PM
  • Melinda
    Super August 2018
    Melinda ·
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    This would have me concerned and questioning whether or not to hire the vendor regardless of how great their work looks. This is a red flag IMO. You now can’t even look at this vendor’s reviews to see how other couples experiences went because seemingly if they had any type of negative experience, they legally couldn’t even say anything!

    I understand wanting to protect your business from potential Bridezilla’s with exaggerated or untruthful reviews but I would think those are far and few in between and a vendor could truthfully respond to those with a honest recap of what happened and any resolutions attempted.
    • Reply
  • Mrsjimenez👰
    Dedicated November 2020
    Mrsjimenez👰 ·
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    I'm sorry but in my opinion I would run. That is definately a red flag. I don't understand why any vendor that is professional would have you sign such an agreement if they supposedly provide exceptional service. I woukd definately keep looking honey. That's just completely absurd and makes me feel like that agreement would allow him to screw you over and you can't do anything about it. Super weird!
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  • Camille
    Devoted October 2020
    Camille ·
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    I would stay far away from this. Most businesses welcome reviews, unless they are doing something really wrong. This screams that they are hiding something.
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  • B
    Devoted September 2018
    Bri ·
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    I have never heard of a photographer having that so I agree with everyone else that it's a huge red flag.
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  • Pirate & 60s Bride
    Legend March 2017
    Pirate & 60s Bride ·
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    Red flag. Ask him to remove clause or find someone else.
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  • MrsD
    Legend July 2019
    MrsD ·
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    I would avoid someone with one of these. Not one of my vendors or venues have them, they are all really greatly reviewed with 1 or 2 negative ones (inevitable) so they just responded to the reviews instead.

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  • Kristen
    VIP August 2018
    Kristen ·
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    This would scare me too. Maybe keep looking for photographers because this one doesn't seem ethical. You're right to question what they're hiding.

    I got a bad feeling about the photographer I initially was going to hire so I backed out and I'm so happy I did because I ended up finding a great one for not even much more money. Trust your gut.


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  • C
    Super October 2018
    Cassandra ·
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    What is your gut saying to you? I am in need of reassurance so signing a contract with one is a no for me. But if you like his work, a good price, and feel comfortable with it, go for it.

    if you are doubting yourself. There is a reason for it
    • Reply
  • Casey
    VIP December 2018
    Casey ·
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    I would never go with a vendor with a clause like this. It's unethical for sure. And even with the bridezilla reviews, I feel like it's pretty easy to sift through reviews that legitimately cause concern VS reviews from individuals who are self-centered, with crazy expectations, or just aren't reliable sources of information. So I don't think adding in a clause like this is warranted.

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  • HayMrsO
    Master October 2018
    HayMrsO ·
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    If he was not willing to remove that clause from the contract, I would have to find someone else.

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