Celebrity Planner Speaks Out Against Wedding Wire and other Wedding Directory websites

By Paul Pannone

An eWedNewz look at how wedding directory companies manage their business shows a precarious balance between servicing the consumer that looks for information and the hand that feeds them. Vendors that advertise with websites say they expect a certain amount of respect and loyalty in return for their advertising dollars. But a deeper look shows many websites are a guide and message board setup, not a definitive way of mediating problems.

Some vendors embrace the fact wedding directories exist and learned to embrace them for what they are and the purpose they serve. But most vendors we’ve spoken with say they’re disenchanted by the service that favors the bride and offers little or no chance of being heard and makes it very difficult to take down negative posts left by disgruntled brides.

One scenario we’re watching involves Celebrity wedding expert, Samantha Goldberg. According to Goldberg, she’s been wrongfully trashed by a bride on Wedding Wire. For weeks Goldberg says she’s tried every way possible to contact the people at Wedding Wire to discuss the public review but has so far been unsuccessful.

Samantha Goldberg says she is ready to speak out and fight against websites that won’t take down improper posts.

Goldberg’s frustration spilled out to over 1,000 of her friends on Face Book this weekend. Some are influential people in the wedding industry;

“Quick question for my wedding “peers”…Have you ever had an unpleasant experience with any of the lead sites such as “Wedding Wire” or Project Wedding etc? What has been your experience with purchasing leads, or just being listed?..Nothing specific” Legit? Worth your investment? I have not worked with either..If you wish to respond not so publically..PM me…What about the reviews? Have you noticed being a member allows for them to protect you..esp when a client was not happy with your services? We all have complaints..nature of the biz..any info would be greatly appreciated…”

Goldberg’s question returned replies from wedding sources that conclude there will always be an angry review but in a relatively small percentage compared to satisfied customers.

On Wedding Wire’s Terms of Use it clearly states they are not Judge Judy; 

WeddingWire is a Neutral Venue. WeddingWire is an innovative community and marketplace for the wedding industry. WeddingWire is not a wedding product or service provider, wedding vendor or an agent representative. WeddingWire members (“Members”) include prospective brides and grooms, newlyweds and their Wedding guests (collectively, Wedding Members”) and companies and other third parties offering products and services related to Weddings (“Vendor Members”). We and the Site function solely as a neutral venue and digital clearinghouse where Wedding Members and Vendor Members may connect for a particular type of service or product. We are not involved in or a party to the real transaction between Members. As a result, We have no control over the quality, accuracy, safety, or legality of the transactions that take place on our Website, the accuracy of listings, or the ability of Wedding Vendors to provide items or services and we are not responsible for the actions or inactions of Wedding Members or Vendor Members.

Repeated attempts to speak with Sonny Ganguly of Wedding wire – for any reason– are met with pleasant replies but nothing of substance. Wedding Wire is often cited as a leading resource for brides and of interest to the wedding business. Ganguly and a growing number of high-profile wedding personalities shy away from being interviewed, fearing difficult questions.

Goldberg says is wrongfully portrayed in the Wedding Wire review. In an eWedNewz exclusive interview she says she plans to fight for all vendors that are unable to defend themselves from such improper practices and is considering all her options.

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