What makes a contract valid?

A contract becomes valid when one party makes an offer and the other accepts it, and something of value passes between them, usually a deposit. Both of you must be over 18 and of sound mind, and the agreement must be for something legal. The terms should be clear enough that both sides know what they are agreeing to, such as the date, the services, and the payment schedule.

For wedding suppliers, a written contract is your best protection, but a verbal agreement can also be binding. However, proving what was said later is much harder. Always ask for a written contract or at least a detailed email confirmation. Check that it names both parties, the venue or service, the date, the deposit amount, and what happens if you cancel or the supplier cancels.

If anything is missing or unclear, ask before you pay. You have the right to understand cancellation terms, rescheduling policies, and what happens if the supplier goes out of business. If you are unsure about a clause, you can ask the supplier to explain it, or check with a legal adviser. The rules around deposits and contracts can vary, so for specific legal questions, check GOV.UK or speak to a solicitor.