Trust for Sale? Kickbacks, Reviews, and the Wedding Industry’s Hidden Economy (Ep. 4, The Venue Underground)
When you’re planning a wedding or building a creative business, you assume every glowing review and every recommended vendor list is built on trust. After all, why else would they be there?
But the truth is more complicated. Sometimes vendors pay to be on those “preferred” lists. Sometimes reviews are less about honest feedback and more about leverage to get something for free. And sometimes the whole system leaves couples and vendors wondering: who can you actually trust?
In Episode 4 of The Venue Underground, we (Kate, Gemma, and Rachel) dive deep into the trust economy that runs the wedding industry — the hidden rules and unspoken practices that can make or break your experience.
What Are Kickbacks?
Kickbacks are payments, commissions, or incentives given in exchange for referrals or spots on a “preferred vendor list.”
Some venues charge vendors to be on their list.
Others take a percentage cut of each booking they refer.
Sometimes it’s disclosed… and sometimes it isn’t.
While not always unethical, undisclosed kickbacks blur the line between genuine recommendation and paid placement. For couples, it raises a critical question: am I hiring this vendor because they’re the best fit, or because they wrote a check?
Review Hostage & Review Misfire
Reviews can be just as tricky.
Review hostage: A client threatens to leave a bad review unless they get special treatment, a refund, or something for free.
Review misfire: A business receives a negative review for something they had nothing to do with — like food quality when they don’t even provide catering.
Both situations erode trust, making it harder for vendors to protect their reputation and for couples to know which reviews reflect reality.
Why This Matters
Trust is the currency of weddings. Couples rely on recommendations for one of the most important days of their lives. Vendors rely on reviews and referrals to build reputations and book clients.
When trust breaks down, both sides lose:
Couples feel misled.
Vendors feel exploited.
The entire experience is tainted by doubt.
How to Protect Yourself
For Couples
Ask how a venue or planner’s vendor list is created.
Look for reviews on at least two platforms (Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, etc.).
Prioritize reviews with specific details over vague praise.
For Vendors
Only recommend vendors you would hire yourself.
Be transparent if your list is paid or curated.
Document everything — contracts, communication, and feedback.
The Bottom Line
The wedding industry runs on trust. When it’s strong, it creates unforgettable celebrations and lasting reputations. When it’s broken, it leaves everyone questioning motives.
At The Venue Underground, we believe in transparency, consistency, and integrity. Whether you’re a couple planning your big day or a vendor navigating partnerships, remember: trust is the foundation. Protect it, and your reputation will work harder for you than any ad spend ever could.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: The Venue Underground — Episode 4: Trust for Sale? Kickbacks, Reviews & the Truth on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
📲 Follow @thevenueceo for daily insights on weddings, venues, and creative entrepreneurship.