My guest list is currently at 220. We live out of town and everyone attending will be coming from out of town. (Between 5 and 12 hours away). We are expecting 100 people. I like the idea of one long, rectangular table. FI hates that idea because he doesn't think people would be able to socialize. I disagree. We also talked about having 3 parallel rectangular tables. I would assign tables, but not seats. I would like to reserve the seats surrounding FI and I for immediate family and let everyone else choose. FI thinks we should assigns seats if we do the long rectangular table/s.
I was just reading a previous thread about not assigning tables, and was amazed how many people thought it was rude not to.

I guess I'm one of "those" people. I haven't been to very many weddings, and I have never been to one where they didn't assign tabes. I guess that should be a hint to me...
Re: 3 Large Tables..Assign?
People tend to leave open seats between couples and other individuals. Think of the movie theater on an opening night of a big movie. Even though the theater is sold out and the movie goers know this they will still leave open seats between groups and individuals. I don't know many people who will just sit next to a stranger just becasue they feel like it.
And, yes, the space is big enough. It is outside on 14 acres.
I just like the idea of large tables. I love the idea of "breaking" the tables like zoberg suggested. I think that's what we will do.
thanks, again.
omigosh I definitely agree with this analogy.
I mean, assign tables or assign seats, for sure. At assigned tables it's a little less awkward to ask people to shift over. With assigned seats, you won't need to at all.
If your group is used to assigned tables, that's a huge sign right there.
Making the chart was a pain, but in the end it worked out well and we even had several people tell us they really liked it. Especially the people who didn't know anyone else; they liked who we sat them with.
It also made dinner service smoother since the staff knew exactly where to put chicken vs steak.