Wedding vendors, other businesses limiting online reviews with contract clauses

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- If you rely on online reviews to help pick a wedding vendor, doctor, or other service, it's possible you may not be getting the full picture. Some companies are now tucking clauses into their contracts that limit online reviews.

Bride-to-be Karina is excited for the big day. Her dress is ready and the invites are out, but the situation with her wedding photographer is not such a pretty picture. She had one lined up, but got out of the contract, which had a cancellation period.

"I just kind of was uncomfortable with their lack of responses and their kind of run around," Karina said.

Karina wanted to warn other brides, so she posted an online review. Soon after, she got an email from the photographer saying, "We kindly ask that you remove your posting," noting she could face "legal action" for "breach of contract."

Karina said she never realized her agreement stated "neither party will disparage the other."

"I was livid. I was so upset that A: I couldn't review a vendor B: That you would email me, almost threateningly, so I felt, I think I felt bullied," she said.

Anja Winikka of theknot.com said these non-review clauses are popping up in contracts for all sorts of wedding vendors, limiting what people can say.

"Prohibiting them from giving them a review that's less than a 5-star review," said Winikka.

As Karina found, the clauses can be hard to spot. Experts say to be on the lookout for words like confidentiality, non-review and non-disparagement.

"If you see 'non-disparagement' in your contract that's a cause for alarm," said Winikka.

Attorney Noah Davis said he is alarmed these clauses are now used by some contractors, plumbers and dentists. Even some online merchants are putting them in their terms and conditions.

"I really am floored by the prospect that this is happening," said Davis.

Experts say it's happening because a company's online reputation can make or break the business, and some try to protect themselves against unreasonable customers.

Experts advise not signing a contract until you understand everything in it. If you spot a non-disparagement clause, ask the business why it's there. If you really want to hire them, negotiate.

"Don't sign those agreements if they don't allow you to take those clauses out of the contract," said Davis.

Winikka said to be cautious of online reviews that are all glowing, or a bit over the top. She said that could actually be a red flag. Instead, look for reviews that seem balanced. If there's a negative review, look to see if and how the company responds. If they respond to consumer complaints in a reasonable way, Winikka said that's actually a good sign.