Weddings can welcome 100 guests from August 5

On his way into Cabinet, Mr Donnelly said there should be “something positive to say” later today.

Cabinet has approved measures that will see weddings able to welcome 100 guests from August 5.

The increase in numbers applies to both the ceremony and the reception.

At present only 50 people are allowed to attend the ceremonies.

It has also approved allowing 50 guests to attend Christening from the same date. 

There are no plans, however, to resume Confirmations and Communions.

Earlier, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has indicated there should be "good news on weddings" for brides and grooms from Cabinet.

Speaking ahead of a Cabinet meeting this morning where ministers will discuss the number of guests allowed at wedding ceremonies, Mr Donnelly gave a strong hint that weddings of up to 100 guests will be allowed.

Ministers are considering a proposal to increase the number of guests allowed to 100 in August - up from the current limit of 50.

On his way into Cabinet, Mr Donnelly said there should be “something positive to say” later today.

He said: “It’s a relatively small number of people, but for all those brides out there and dare I say some grooms out there it is an important day.

“People have been planning for a long time, and a lot of people have put weddings off for a long time.”

Brides-to-be staged a protest outside the Cabinet meeting, organised by Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA).

WIPA said the 'bridal march' was also an opportunity to present health and safety guidelines to enable weddings of 100 people to go ahead in a manner that is safe for both staff and guests to the Government.