COUPLES are downsizing their weddings and inviting fewer guests despite the Covid rules easing, a survey found.

       Around 70 per cent of future brides and grooms say they only want their nearest and dearest to share their big day.

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       A survey found couples are inviting fewer guests to their wedding despite Covid rules easing Credit: Alamy

       And more than half say they would even consider a wedding with as few people in attendance as possible.

       The average number of invited guests now stands at 52. Before Covid, 20 per cent of weddings had 90 guests or more.

       Downsizing is causing a shift from larger venues, as 27 per cent of people would now consider a reception in a pub.

       Brewery chain Greene King asked 2,000 unmarried people about their post-Covid wedding plans.

       It found couples felt fewer guests would mean people would be more inclined to mingle and not stay in their own groups — and it would cost less.

       Less pressure when it comes to giving speeches and fewer dietary requirements to cater for were also among top reasons for keeping wedding parties small.

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       They are also easier to plan.

       But for 52 per cent, the main positive of a smaller wedding is not having to invite those you barely know — or even dislike.

       And 45 per cent went as far as to admit that the pandemic has given them a great excuse to have the intimate wedding they secretly wanted.

       Greene King’s Liane Hunt said: “The pandemic has caused us to re-evaluate many aspects of our lives, and weddings -certainly haven’t escaped this."

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