Nope..."and guest" was the way to go. Worked great, people RSVP'ed with the numbers I needed, and we served a buffet with NO place cards. I am not about to figure out how to seat a vegan, leftist art student next to someone who is a conservative, Atkins-dieting engineer. No and no!
This worked quite well. The reception was in an old mansion owned by a local college, overlooking the river. Dining was at large, circular tables lit by candles. People tended to sit in groups of 4 or 6, and were joined by other groups. No one seemed unable to converse, and my husband and I circulated and welcomed people.
I do not like sit-down dinners with place cards. For one thing, there is no way to make a menu that is suitable for everyone. Secondly, you have to pay for waiters, which increases the cost. Third, people don't all get served at the same time. Finally, there is no way to know if people assigned to tables will get along. I would rather they have the option to sit where they wish. Most people under 30 won't pay attention to place cards, anyway.