Half Seating Chart/half Open Seating

I agree with PP's that assigning tables at the very least would be good. The table with exact seating sounds like a head table, which is very common to have the bridal party, parents, and the couple. As far as your guests I would at least assign table numbers. Or maybe have them pick a table number out of a hat for added fun!

Please assign tables. They can figure out where to sit at the table. I went to a wedding that they didn't assign tables and they had people show up who never RSVP and people who did RSVP had no where to sit. FH and I sat outside at a picnic table the groomsmen pulled up under a tent, because it was raining, with the grooms parents who also didn't have seats. The got to the reception late because they were taking pictures and there was no where for them to sit.

That sounds like a good idea.

In short, nope.

I've been to weddings that didn't do seating charts and you just aren't sure where to sit. I am assigning tables not seats. That way guests can just go to their designated table and find a seat and not have to wander around the room looking for a seat.

We're going to assign groups of tables in case family disputes happen right before the wedding.. my FH family is huge and will be too hard to organize, so we're gonna give them cards that say "tables 1-9" and they can pick who they want to sit with from there. They're all family so there shouldn't be any open spots, even if the kids all go to one table and the adults spread out how they want. And then the other tables can be more structured, like my college friends get 2 tables, his friends get 2 tables, my parents and their friends get a table each.. specific table assigned seating is sooo hard, this might work for you too good luck!

I am doing this as well, just putting reserved signs on the tables/chairs for family members and wedding party. Most of the weddings I've been to have been open seating (I've been to over 30 weddings) and I actually prefer it. I don't want someone to tell me where to sit and who I have to sit with. Most of the times I've been assigned a place, it's been more awkward and I have friends sitting elsewhere that I didn't get to spend a lot of time with.