Seating chart

Seating plan is easy and less time to put together as guests will enjoy the time to eat and talk.

I would have done that if it wasn't for getting escort cards ordered.

As for fmailies, i had split my family to sit at each table with other members and in laws too so they all got to talk and know each other better. After dessert, everyone danced away and partied.

I agree with everyone else, you should go with a seating chart. Leaving it open just seems like a bad idea (too many people rearranging seats, too many chairs around one table, lonely guests, etc.).

Seating chart is a must. Like the others have said so far, less chaos and more mingling, but keep in mind to put people with similar interests together, perhaps older crowds together and younger crowd together

People will sit with those they know. If you really want people to mingle, then arrange it on a seating chart.

Seating charts are for more formal events. If you are having a more casual wedding you could get away with no seating chart. I would also recommend having more seats than people so it gives everyone a chance to choose where to sit, rather than the last people in just have to take the empty chair.

My fiance had brought up the idea of now seating chart..but that gave me anxiety. It's much easier to put together a chart than to just let them sit wherever. At least for us it is. Like Brittany said, it keeps things from getting chaotic, no matter how big or small the guest list is.

Seating chart. Always a seating chart. Whether you have 60, or 300 people, guests are used to that guidance when they enter your reception. It helps keep the flow going, keeps things from getting chaotic...
Also, people will be drawn to sit with their families anyway, and if you have tables of say 8, and a group of six sits, then eventually you'll have groups having to split up to fill those couple empty seats. You may end up having families sitting apart because of lack of seats.
Also your elderly aunt and uncle may end up having to sit with your FH's cousins and their 2 kids, instead of say, other family members they know, or their age....
Anyways I dont know if that's making sense, but pretty much I always vote seating chart. If it takes you a couple tries, and a few hours or so to make a chart, imagine how disorganized it is when guests are trying to figure it out on the spot.
Also aside from dinner and speeches, people will be up mingling and dancing, and they usually switch around a bit after dinner to visit with other people.
I also like the idea of making sure that closing relatives have tables closer to the speeches, sweetheart table. and dance floor. whereas distant cousins and younger friends can be a bit further back