On the day itself, you are both busy and excited and jittery so if you can’t affrod a wedding planner, it is best to do all the preprations beforehand. You should be conscious of your guests. Where are they from? Do they have to travel far? Are they hungry already? Are they tired? There are so many things to consider.
I think first you have to put yourself in the position of your guests. Be sure that they are well rested, hydrated and fed. The food must be served promptyly (that is not beyond the normal eating time, if its lunch, serve it not later than 11:30). Give them enough time to eat and relish the food. The food should be served in an orderly manner, believe me i have attended a wedding where the guests have to line up and ran just to be served (buffet style but limited buffet tables). Limit the alcoholic drinks unless you are sure that all your guests can control themselves when drunk. Keep your guests entertained. Organize seating arrangement. You should know who will sit with whom. Your guests should be comfortable. Make sure that the venue is well-ventilated, the food is abundant, the venue is big enough and that the arrangement is good. Also be wary of who will sit in the presidential table. If you can’t accomodate all your sponsors, then limit the number of seats in the presidential table. It is not good for those who will not be able to sit there. I think having only the immdeiate family there is acceptable. Guests really tell and they tell all.