What are the 7 rules of a contract?

The seven rules of a contract are the same as its essential elements, and they work together. If any one is missing, the contract may be void or unenforceable. The rules are: offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, capacity, certainty, and legality. For your wedding, you can think of them as a checklist. The offer is the supplier's quote or proposal. Acceptance is your clear agreement, usually by signing. Consideration is the payment or promise of payment. Intention means both sides expect to be bound by law, which is true for most wedding suppliers. Capacity means you and the supplier are legally able to contract, so everyone must be 18 or over and of sound mind. Certainty means the terms are specific enough to act on, so avoid contracts that say "to be confirmed later". Legality means the contract cannot involve anything against the law. In practice, you will rarely need to prove all seven, but understanding them helps you negotiate. If a supplier says "don't worry, it's all fine", ask them to put it in writing. If you are ever unsure whether a contract meets these rules, speak to a solicitor or contact your local Citizens Advice. The rules can vary slightly in Scotland, so check with a legal professional if your wedding is there.