Low waste decorations?
Hi everyone. I have been searching for ideas for some time for planning a low waste wedding. We're getting married in August. This is the last of the parties. We come from different continents so we have had a few, but in my home country, the wedding planners basically provide everything and never had to thought about what happens to decor items. Why is it important? Read below -
we live in Germany, so in a tiny European apartment, and I honestly shudder at the thought of what happens to all the stuff and how much I'll have to organize. And my husband is working in environment preservation, so he shudders just at the thought of pollution and waste we're creating. I'd love to have ideas about low/no waste ideas for decorations. I have of course scoured Pinterest, but, well, it's difficult.
Things I have already taken care of -
Invitations are seed papers, and will get planted.
I unfortunately have to buy a new dress because nothing really fits me (I'm not the European body type) but I am NOT having matching bridesmaids or whatever. They wear what they want. My husband bought a suit that he can wear quite regularly. He works in a suit wearing company too, so it will get used. I will be using my existing makeup things.
Plates, cutlery and furniture are provided by the venue.
We're doing mints as favors. Everyone in the family has sweet tooth, so I'm reasonably certain they won't get left behind. I can't do plants or seeds because I will have a lot of international guests and flying with plants or seeds, is complicated.
Open points -
Ideas for low waste centerpieces? Ideally stuff I can upcycle or recycle. I want to hold true to German passion for recycling. Pictures (if you can share) will be appreciated because I'm not a very skilled crafty person.
What should I do about napkins? Like I said, storage space is limited for us. On one hand, I really want to have cloth napkins because they look nicer. But on the other hand, I do not want to store 50 napkins because we just won't need that many napkins after.
Guest book - I do want one because of the people who are specifically flying in for this and I don't know when I will be seeing them again. But, again, storage. I would rather have something I can easily incorporate in our regular apartment decor. I'm thinking of postcards with our pictures and a postbox. But any other suggestions are very appreciated.
Speaking of pictures - we have had a few "weddings" in different countries before. One, when we got married in Denmark. Two, when we traveled to my home country and it was a proper celebration. I like my pictures being taken so we have had a few photoshoots in between too. I wanted to display these pictures. But - what do I do with all of these pictures after the event is over? I don't necessarily want to have printed copies of all of these. I do not have access to a projector in the venue (I did a projector slideshow for the wedding in my home country). I thought about making centerpieces with the pictures, but IDK if that is too narcissistic, and IDK what I will do with at least 32 picture frames after. Any low waste ideas for this?
Should I do a "fun fact" sheet for the party? Except our immediate friends and family, the guests don't know each of us well - just a intercultural marriage fact. Would it help them? Or is it too "main character syndrome"
Thank you everyone, if not for ideas, just for reading this gigantic post. I am really daunted by the whole thing, really hoping to receive some help.