My daughter does not want any table assignments, but I don't want families to get split up or guests sitting with someone they don't know. What are the general rules?

I dont think you have to have them I have been to large weddings that didnt and things worked out just fine. Also less stress

I agree with Megan Ann. If you are having a large wedding it is a lot of stress to try and seat everyone where YOU think they will be comfortable. Not having a seating assignment is nice, especially if there are a lot of people that do not know people, it will help people (Family members) get to know eachother and that is what I think a wedding is about, bringing 2 families together. Now if you have a family like mine where there is a new feud every other week then assigned seating is a good thing. It helps keep people away from eachother that you know don't like eachother as well as keeps the gossiping down (did you see that so and so did not want to sit by me...blah blah blah) That is what I am having to deal with. That is the only reason that I am going with assigned seating! GOOD LUCK!

I have to agree table assignments are a waste of time. Really I enjoy being at weddings where I get to decide who I want to sit with. Not who I'm forced to sit with. Just assign 1/2/3 tables for just family or really close friends who you want to sit by the bride and groom table and let everyone else sit where they want to. I went to a wedding where my friends were across the room and I got stuck sitting with my honeys friends, who are nice but I would've prefered to be able to be near my friends also. And it's less stressful to not have to worry about who likes who, and who knows who, etc. Good luck!!