Assigned seating is when the engaged couple assigns specific seats to specific guests for the wedding reception dinner. While allowing greater control than simply assigning tables, it does require a great deal more planning and setup.
VIPs (immediate family and wedding party) are given the prime seats at the wedding venue.
Guests are prearranged to sit with other people that they may already know or with whom they share things in common.
Assigned seating allows guests to feel welcomed and to know their place immediately. No confusion or wandering.
If tense or awkward situations exist between certain individuals, assigned seating can keep those individuals separated from each other without drawing attention.