Creating Wedding Program Fans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding program fans are a fun and functional way to keep your guests cool and informed during your wedding ceremony, especially for outdoor weddings in hot weather. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps and supplies needed to create elegant and classic wedding program fans that will impress your guests. From designing your program to assembling the fans, we'll cover everything you need to know to make this DIY project a success. So, whether you're looking to save money or add a personal touch to your big day, making your own wedding program fans is a great option.

Choose your paper type and weight

The type of paper you choose for your wedding program fans is important, as it will impact the overall look and feel of the finished product. It is also crucial to consider the weight of the paper, as this will determine how sturdy your fans are.

For printing your wedding programs, you can choose between cardstock and regular paper. Cardstock is thicker and sturdier, making it a good choice if you want your fans to be more durable. Regular paper is thinner and less expensive, but it may not hold up as well over time. If you decide to go with cardstock, look for paper that is between 65 and 80 lb. weight. For regular paper, a weight of around 20-24 lb. is standard.

If you are printing double-sided programs, it is recommended to use a heavier weight paper, such as 65-80 lb. paper. This will ensure that the ink does not bleed through to the other side. If you are only printing on one side, you can use a lighter weight paper, such as 110 lb. paper, and ask a professional printer to do the printing for you.

Another option for your wedding program fans is to use pre-printed paper. This can be a cost-effective and convenient option, as you won't need to worry about printing the programs yourself. Pre-printed paper is typically available in a variety of designs and colours, so you can find one that matches your wedding theme.

Overall, the type and weight of the paper you choose for your wedding program fans will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Consider the look you are going for, as well as the practicality of the fans, and choose a paper that will best suit your needs.

Design and print your programs

The first step to making wedding program fans is to design what content you want to include on your programs. This could include a timeline for the evening, bridal party listed on one side, and any messages to the guests. You can create your design on Canva, or use Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher if you're working on a laptop.

Once you have your design, you can print out your programs. If you're printing at home, use white card stock so that the paper is thick and sturdy enough to assemble as a fan later. If you have a large quantity to print, you may want to print at a local print/copy shop. A weight of 65lb-80lb paper is recommended for two-sided fans, especially if printing on a home inkjet printer. If you are only doing a one-sided fan, you should order from a professional printer and ask for at least 110lb paper.

Fold and crease the paper

To make wedding program fans, you'll need to fold and crease the paper to create the fan blade. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Firstly, print your desired design on thick cardstock paper. You can do this at home or use a printing service. If you're creating a one-page design, print it on 8.5" x 11" paper and fold it in half, so you don't need to make any cuts. For a two-sided design, print on both sides of the paper before folding.

Once you have your printed design, use a paper scoring board or a bone folder to create a precise fold. A paper scoring board will help you mark and score the centre of the paper, making an indented line that guides your fold. A bone folder is a tool used to smooth out creases and can be useful if you're working with thicker paper. You can find bone folders in craft sections of stores or art supply stores for under $5.

After you've scored the centre line, fold the paper along this line to create a crisp crease. You can use a ruler or your fingers to press the fold and ensure a straight line. If your paper design has multiple sections that need folding, repeat this process for each section.

If you're trimming the edges of your fan or rounding the corners, do so after folding. This ensures that all layers of paper are aligned and creates a neater finish. Use a paper punch or corner rounder to achieve rounded corners.

By folding and creasing your paper precisely, you create a sturdy base for your wedding program fan. This step is crucial to ensuring your fan holds its shape and functions well.

Attach the fan handle

Wedding program fans are a great way to keep your guests cool and informed during the ceremony, especially for outdoor weddings. Here are some detailed instructions for the attachment of the fan handles, a crucial step in the fan-making process:

Attaching the Fan Handle:

Materials:

• Double-sided tape or strong glue (e.g., Zig 2-Way Glue Pen)
• Fan sticks (e.g., wavy jumbo fan sticks)
• Pre-printed programs on cardstock

Steps:

• Prepare the Fan Handle: If using glue, apply a generous amount to one side of the fan stick, ensuring it is straight and secure. If using double-sided tape, apply the tape to the inside of the program, where the stick will be attached.
• Attach the Handle: Place the fan stick onto the glued or taped area, pressing firmly to ensure a strong hold.
• Secure the Handle: If using glue, apply glue around the edges of the fan program, especially where the stick meets the paper. If using double-sided tape, close the program, adhering both sides of the folded paper together.
• Finishing Touches: Check that the fan handle is secure and adjust as needed. You can also add decorations to the handle, such as ribbon or twine, for a more personalised touch.

It is important to note that using glue may be messier and risk staining the paper, so double-sided tape is often recommended for a cleaner finish. Additionally, ensure that you are working on a flat surface and that your fan programs are properly folded before beginning the attachment process.

Embellish with ribbon or twine

Embellishing your wedding program fans with ribbon or twine is a great way to add a personal touch and a stylish finish. Here are some tips to help you achieve a beautiful result:

Firstly, consider the type of ribbon or twine you want to use. Sheer organza ribbon in gold or silver can complement any wedding colour scheme, as mentioned by a creator on Simply2Moms. You can also choose a coloured twine to match your wedding theme. The length of ribbon or twine needed per fan will depend on the look you want to achieve, but generally, 12 inches is a good starting point and you can adjust from there.

When attaching the ribbon or twine, you can get creative! Simply2Moms wrapped the ribbon around the fan handle, while Crafty Sticks suggests using a small hole punch to create half-circles and then threading the twine through. You can also try wrapping the ribbon or twine around the entire fan, including the handle, for a unique look.

If you want to add a bit of sparkle, try gluing on some rhinestones or small flowers made from the same ribbon or twine. You could also tie a bow with the ribbon or twine and attach it to the handle or the top of the fan. The options are endless!

For a more rustic or natural look, twine is a perfect choice. You can wrap it around the fan multiple times to create a textured effect. Try using a thicker twine for a more pronounced appearance. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of ribbon and twine to find the perfect match for your wedding program fans.

Remember, this is your special day, so have fun with the process and get creative! These embellishments will not only make your fans functional but will also add a unique and memorable touch to your wedding ceremony.

Frequently asked questions