Weddingbee boards

I'm helping a dear friend plan a casual wedding at a state park -- they've rented a picnic shelter that seats 300 (about double her guest list) and has picnic tables. It'll be a more rustic event (though still catered!).

Would/could you do escort cards for something like, that, or does it make more sense to make seating a free-for-all? I can see merits of both, but would it seem odd to have formal seating for such a casual venue?

I think a seating chart for this setting would be a little against the laid-back, fun attitude that usually comes with a picnic wedding. I would suggest still having reserved areas for family, etc. that you want seated near the B&G if they are going to be in a particular area.

I agree - save a spot for the family and party and then let everyone else sit where they want.  You can always have her do different fun things in the center of the tabels so that people will be encouraged to roam around and have something to talk about at the table - should it be people who don't know one another. 

I agree that you shouldn't do assigned seating. It's an informal event and that seems to go against the laid back rustic atmosphere they are going for. I would definitely designate tables for the families and just let everyone else seat themselves.