I think you may just be over thinking it a little. Just go have fun, play from different tees, or whichever ones you want. Take mulligans, or don't. Putt 2 footers, or take em... either way just make sure you are having fun. I could never be bothered with policing someone elses round or giving a F what the guy at the pro shop thinks of me because my buddy bailed at the last minute cause of a sick kid, or a last minute work thing... I definitely wouldn't book for more than you're going to have and I would suggest, just keep play moving. Other than that, enjoy the day with some new people.