Preferred Suppliers or Paid Partnerships? What Couples Need to Know
I had an interesting chat with some wedding coordinators recently, and it confirmed something I’d been hearing more and more: some venues are now asking their “preferred suppliers” to pay a commission—often around 10% of their fee—for any wedding bookings they get through the venue.
At first glance, this might not seem like a big deal. But when you dig a little deeper, it raises a few important questions that couples should be aware of.
So, what’s the issue?
When a venue recommends a supplier—be it a photographer, videographer, caterer, or florist—you’d hope it’s because they genuinely believe in the quality of their work. That they’ve seen them in action, know they’re reliable, talented, and bring the right energy to a wedding day. That’s how it should work.
But when money enters the equation, those recommendations risk becoming less about what's best for you, and more about what benefits the venue.
A 10% commission might not sound like much, but suppliers—especially those offering a high level of service—often work to tight margins. To make up for this hidden cost, some may increase their prices to cover it. So in the end, it’s usually the couple footing the bill without even realising it.
A one-way street?
Here’s something worth thinking about: if a supplier recommends a venue to a couple and they go on to book it, does the venue offer the supplier a 10% finder’s fee in return?
Nope. That’s not how it works.
Suppliers regularly recommend venues they love working at—places where the light is beautiful, the staff are welcoming, and the space works well for the kind of day the couple wants. But it’s almost always done without expecting anything in return. So when venues start charging suppliers to be recommended in return, it feels like a pretty one-sided arrangement.
What does this mean for you?
Transparency matters.
It’s totally fair to ask a venue (or supplier) whether any commission or referral fees are involved. A reputable professional should have no problem being open with you. After all, it’s your wedding day and your money—you deserve to know where it’s going.
Creativity can suffer.
When venues push the same suppliers for every wedding, there’s a real risk that the work starts to look… the same. The same photo spots, the same poses, the same setups. There’s nothing wrong with familiarity, but creativity thrives on fresh ideas and adapting to each couple's unique story—not following a script.
How to choose your suppliers
The best suppliers for your wedding are the ones who understand you. Who take the time to get to know your style, your priorities, and what matters most. Whether they’re on a venue’s recommended list or not shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
Ask to see full galleries or past work.
Read reviews and testimonials.
Chat with them to get a feel for their vibe.
And don’t be afraid to go with your gut. If someone feels right, they probably are—regardless of what list they are or aren’t on.
Final thought:
Preferred supplier lists aren’t inherently bad—there are some brilliant venues out there who recommend amazing people for all the right reasons. But couples should always be encouraged to ask questions, look beyond the list, and make informed choices that suit them.
Because at the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you, not someone else’s business arrangement.
