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[Bobbimom23]

I've attended both where the table seating is assigned and unassigned.  Our nephew's wedding was more formal, yet the seating was unassigned and there were not enough seats or tables for attendees.  We never got a table/seat and we were family!  Found out later that there were people attending that never sent in the RSVP and so it threw everything off for the reception -- not enough food, seating/tables, etc.

[Chrystaltree2]

I don't believe the region of the country has much to do with it; I think whether or not there are seats, depends on the type and formality of the reception.  Generally speaking, if a reception is a two hour, cocktail type reception with finger foods and drinks, there will be a few seats but not a seat and table for each guest.  The same goes if it's a "cake & punch" or "cake & champagne"  type reception.  Receptions like that are short and a full meal is not servied.   Now, if a meal is served and it's an informal reception; often there will not be assigned tables.  Tables are reserved for the bridal party and relatives but others sit where they want to sit.  A formal wedding always has assigned seating.   

[PeterDM]

In my previous post, I stated that the most recent wedding I attended was at an upscale estate, but there was no assigned seating.  Something else to consider is the age of the couple, and whether or not this is the first time around for either or both of them.  The wedding I attended had a bride and groom in their 40's and 50's and both had children from previous marriages.  It definitely seemed more appropriate to do a buffet and a more relaxed seating situation in this scenario.

[wilma]

Most of the weddings I go to do not have assigned seats, especially if they are Saturday afternoon events. I have been to a few night weddings where the seats/tables were assigned. I can make conversation with anyone so it doesn't bother me if I am assigned a seat, but sometimes someone else at the wedding who I want to sit with is not assigned to my table and that is disappointing. Btw I live in the Southeast.

[Lipstickdiva]

I got married in 1990 and we did not do assigned seating.  All of my friends were married either that year or within a year or 2 and none had assigned seating.

Every wedding I've attended over the last at least 5 years, regardless of how casual or informal, had assigned seating.

[lulu2]

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@Abrowneyegirl wrote:
Do you expect to be assigned a table?

When I go to a wedding I expected to be assigned a seat /table to sit. In conversations recently there seemed to be a regional question on this. I am from the North east (and 99% of the weddings I have ever attended were formal so my experience is limited).

Can anyone here share their experiences or preferences?

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We've been to 2 or 3 weddings where seats were not assigned.  People overcrowded tables, moving chairs all over the place.  There was also childish "saving seats". There were a few tables with fewer than 5 guests.

Assigned seating makes it awkward for those rude people that either didn't respond or chose to bring a guest who was not invited.

I'd vote for assigned seating.

[AuntG]

No, table assignments aren't all that common in my part of the world (Midwest). Our tables had cards that were quite genera. I think they were along the lines of "church friends", "work friends", "groom's family".

[AnikaBrodie]

As a rule in my area only the bridal table and parents have reserved tables.  All other guests sit where they choose to.  On rare occasions tables for all guests are reserved but this is not the norm. 

[CANDLEQUEEN]

Most wedding receptions that I have been at have assigned seating if it iwas a sit down dinner, but I have been to a few that there was only assigned seating for the families and friends sat wherever. So I have seen it both ways, but usually your more formal affairs have assigned seating......With both of my daughters, there was assigned seating for family only!One had a sit down and the other had a buffet style, one was an evening more formal affair, and the other was a Sunday afternoon luncheon type. 

[Zhills]

At the last wedding I attended the family members were assigned seats at the reception. They were close to the dance floor so they would be able to see all the happenings.  The other tables were open seating.