"Reception" cost per plate

I think that sounds wonderful! I would try to offer other drinks then just wine though (coffee/tea/soda) and maybe beer if guests don't drink wine

Does the cocktail hour include drinks? The food sounds good, but I wouldn't limit your guests to half a bottle of wine. Can you offer more drink options and not put a limit on it?

Sounds good to me. Not sure what $845 cocktail hour means but so long as it's fully hosted by your with drinks and food, should be fine.

Thanks! Cocktail hour includes a few appetizers (pastries, etc) and a few different cocktails. I'll definitely look into more wine and non alcoholic drinks!

Good deal! If your guests are paying to go to Italy, make sure it is a great reception.

I think if you're going to make everyone go to Italy, you owe them a nice reception. Otherwise, if you were truly budget, you'd just stay locally. Your wedding is going to cost each guest at least $1000

I would be thrilled if I were invited to your wedding-- sounds great

I think it sounds amazing! I would buy a bunch of extra wine though so your guests aren't limited during dinner, but otherwise this sounds fantastic!

Hey.... another Nancy!

I think it sounds great too, but maybe a little more wine. If I am correct, half a bottle is only 3 drinks each, and you may have a few people who want more than 3, especially in Italy!

If I was going to a wedding in Italy I wouldn't side eye only wine. They are known for wine and I would enjoy it even if i was a staunch beer drinker. Might be my only opportunity to drink wine in Italy so why not

And you do not have to ball out because your guests are travelling. An invitation is not a summons. As long as you host correctly, which it seems you are, you are more than fine

The food sounds good (as long as it's GOOD food...I feel like guests are spending a lot to go to Italy and deserve an amazing Italian meal), but I agree with more wine and drink options. I would suggest unlimited beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. People will be on "vacation" at your wedding and will likely drink more than normal. You need to host them as a thank you for coming all that way.

@MrsFallBride, shows how much wine I drink, lol. I thought a bottle held 6 glasses, but maybe that's the big ass bottles FH buys from Costco, lol.

UO -- I don't think this is enough for a destination wedding in Italy. It's a wedding, not an elopement (elopement would be just you and your FH and maybe one witness). If people are spending thousands to come, you need to give them more than just a half bottle of wine. You need a real cocktail hour with a variety of food and cocktails. The wine-only thing works if people aren't leaving the country maybe, but IMO, you need to go all out for international travelers.

How wonderful that you are getting 30 people to go with you to Italy. It sounds amazing! I think your cocktail hour and dinner sound great, not cheap at all. Are you doing a cake???

That sounds good to me