K is for Kickbacks (...or not)

Written By Leah Weinberg

In this Instagram reel, I talk about kickbacks.

Watch The Reel

Let’s clear this up: What most folks call “kickbacks” in the wedding world are actually referral fees or commissions—and yes, those are legal.

Kickbacks = illegal bribery (think: government + medical industries)

Referral fees/commissions = legal + disclosure may be required in some industries

Are they in your contract? If you receive them, you may want to be transparent with clients to prevent issues down the road. And in some industries, you’re required by law to disclose them.

Leah Weinberg

Leah Weinberg – founder of Weinberg Legal – is an attorney, a recovering wedding planner, and the author of The Wedding Roller Coaster. She spent a decade planning weddings in and around New York City as the owner of Color Pop Events before returning to her roots as an attorney in 2023 so she could provide legal counsel for wedding and event professionals as well as other creative entrepreneurs who want to feel better equipped to weather the ups and downs of running a small business. Leah’s work and insights have been published online and in print with Vogue, the New York Times, People, CNN, CNBC, Bravo, Martha Stewart, and The Knot, among others.

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