What To Know About NDAs Even If You Aren’t Hired for Taylor Swift’s Wedding
Taylor Swift is engaged (deep breaths, everyone) — and while the internet speculates about the dress, the guest list, the inevitable soundtrack, we’re over here thinking about something less glorious but just as important: contracts. Specifically, NDAs.
Because whether you’re working on a celebrity wedding (every Swiftie’s dream) or planning a backyard celebration for Taylor-from-down-the-street, non-disclosure agreements can play a huge role in protecting both you and your clients as a wedding vendor.
What is an NDA and why does it matter?
A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that sets boundaries around what information you can (and can’t) share. In the wedding world, that might mean:
No posting about the event on social media
No sharing photos without approval
No mentioning the client’s name at all
In some cases, not even admitting you worked on the event
For high-profile or celebrity weddings (yes, like Taylor Swift’s wedding), NDAs are often about keeping details under wraps until the couple or their PR team is ready to share them. But even non-celebrity couples are craving more privacy these days.
Levels of privacy look different
Not all NDAs require a “pretend this wedding never happened” level of privacy. Sometimes couples are fine with sharing detail shots but not guest photos. Others don’t want their names attached to the photos online. And some truly don’t want any photos anywhere. The key is figuring out your couple’s specific privacy concerns so you can honor them while still protecting your ability to showcase your work.
NDAs apply to every vendor
Planners, photographers, florists, rental companies — if you’re part of a wedding team, you may be subject to an NDA. And if you’re the one signing with a client, you’ll want your team members and subcontractors to sign agreements that mirror the same obligations. That way, if someone else breaks the rules, you’re not the one left holding the liability bag.
Exposure isn’t free
Here’s another angle: sometimes vendors offer discounts to high-profile clients in exchange for exposure (like being tagged in posts or featured in press coverage). If you go this route, make sure your contract is airtight:
Spell out exactly how you’ll be credited
Clarify how many posts, features, or tags are required
Put a dollar value on that exposure — that way, if the couple doesn’t hold up their end of the deal, you can be compensated for the discount you provided
Bottom line
Whether you’re planning for a celebrity wedding like T-Swift’s or working with clients who just value privacy, NDAs aren’t just a Hollywood thing. They’re a smart tool for any vendor who wants to protect their business while respecting their couple’s wishes.
And if your client ever asks you to sign one? Don’t go it alone — have a legal professional (ahem like yours truly) review it first!