Crafting Hand Fans For Weddings: A Step-By-Step Guide

Hand fans are a fun and functional addition to any wedding, especially if it's outdoors in the summer heat. You can make your own wedding hand fans from paper, card, or fabric. This is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. You can even get your guests involved in the crafting process!

Choosing the right paper

When making hand fans for a wedding, it's important to choose the right paper to ensure your fans are functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the paper for your DIY wedding hand fans:

Paper Type and Thickness

The type and thickness of the paper you choose will impact the overall durability and functionality of your hand fans. For hand fans, it is recommended to use sturdy paper such as card stock, index card stock, or file folder paper. These types of paper will provide a good base for your fans and hold up well during use. If you prefer a lighter option, you can choose a lightweight paper like wrapping or scrapbook paper, especially if you plan to fold the paper for your fans.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper is measured in pounds, and it determines how thick and durable the paper is. For double-sided printing, it is recommended to use paper weighing between 65lb and 80lb. This weight range ensures that the paper is thick enough to withstand the printing process without becoming too difficult to fold. If you are only printing on one side, opt for a professional printing service and request paper weighing at least 110lb for added durability.

Paper Colour and Design

You can choose any colour paper that aligns with your wedding theme or personal preference. White card stock is a popular choice for weddings, as it provides a clean and elegant look. You can also opt for decorative paper, such as scrapbook paper, which comes in various colours and designs. Additionally, consider whether you want to print on the paper. If so, choose a paper colour that will complement your printed design.

Paper Shape and Size

The shape and size of the paper will depend on the style of fan you want to create. For a standard hand fan, you'll need rectangular paper measuring around 8.5" x 11" or 5" x 7". This size is easy to work with and provides a good surface area for printing and decoration. If you desire a different shape, such as a circle or flower, ensure your paper is large enough to create the desired shape.

Paper Finish

Consider the finish of the paper, as this will impact the overall appearance and texture of your hand fans. Some papers have a glossy finish, which can enhance the colours of your design, while others have a matte finish for a more subtle look. Choose a finish that aligns with the aesthetic you wish to achieve.

In summary, when choosing the right paper for your wedding hand fans, opt for sturdy paper such as card stock or index card stock, with a weight between 65lb and 110lb, depending on your printing needs. Select a colour and design that complements your wedding theme, and consider the shape and size of the paper to ensure it suits your fan design. Finally, choose a paper finish that aligns with your desired aesthetic.

Folding and gluing

To make a hand fan for a wedding, you will need to follow these steps involving folding and gluing:

Firstly, if you have a one-page design, fold and crease your paper before adding the glue. This way, you won't have to worry about the glue sticking or drying before it is lined up. You can use a bone folder to smooth out the crease.

Next, lay your paper on a flat surface and apply a generous amount of glue to one side where the stick will go. Place the stick on the fan and press firmly, ensuring that it is straight.

Now, apply glue around the edges and fold immediately. Again, be generous with the glue where the stick will be placed.

Finally, press each edge firmly to ensure that all edges are sealed. Make sure to use clean fingers or a clean bone folder to avoid leaving marks on the paper.

If you are using double-sided tape instead of glue, simply place the tape on the inside of the paper and attach the handle. Then, adhere both sides of the folded paper together.

Adding decorations

Printing

If you want to include specific details about your wedding, such as the names of the wedding party, ceremony details, or messages to your guests, you can print this information directly onto your fans. This can be done at home if you have a small number of fans to make, or at a local print shop for larger quantities.

Colour

You can choose coloured index paper or card stock to make your fans. Alternatively, you can print graphics onto white paper to add some colour.

Shape

You can cut your paper into different shapes, such as circles or flowers, to create a unique fan.

Ribbons

Adding a ribbon to the handle of your fan is a great way to finish off your design and complement your wedding colours. Sheer organza ribbon is an elegant option.

Corner rounding

Using a corner paper punch to round the corners of your fans will give them a soft, classic look. There are also lots of options for fancier corner designs if you would prefer something more ornate.

Embellishments

Stamping, hole-punching, and adding twine or string are all ways to embellish your fans and make them more personalised.

Guest decorations

If you want to keep your fans simple, you could leave boxes of crayons for your guests to decorate their own fans. This is a great option if you're expecting children at your wedding and want to keep them entertained.

Using a template

If you're creating your own template, you can use Microsoft Word, as seen in one example. You can also use other design applications to create your template. Once you're happy with your design, print it out on your desired paper.

If you're using a pre-made template, you can find them on websites such as Templett, Etsy, or Dropbox. Some templates are free, while others need to be purchased. Once you've downloaded the template, you can edit it using design applications, such as Templett, and then print it out.

After printing your template, the next steps are the same for both methods. You'll need to fold your template in half and then trim it along the crop marks using a paper cutter. This will give you an exact mark for the fold line and ensure a precise cut.

Now it's time to glue the fan together. You can use glue tape, a glue pen, or a glue gun for this step. Apply the glue to the edges of the template and then place the paddle stick in the centre, making sure it's straight and centred. Once the glue is dry, fold the other half of the template over and press firmly on the glued edges.

Finally, add your finishing touches. You can round the corners of the fan using a corner punch and then tie a ribbon around the paddle stick.

And there you have it! A beautiful and functional DIY wedding hand fan.

Finishing touches

Now that your fan is almost ready, it's time to add some final flourishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your hand fan and make it even more special for your wedding:

Embellishments

Add some extra flair to your fans with embellishments like ribbons, twine, or stamps. You can attach ribbons or twine to the handles or use them to decorate the edges of the fans. If you want to personalise them even further, try stamping your initials or the wedding date on the fans or the handles.

Corner Punches

Give your fans a polished look by rounding the corners with a corner punch. You can find these at most craft stores, and they usually come in different sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your fan's size and style.

Personalisation

Make your fans extra special by personalising them with your wedding colours, themes, or motifs. You can print messages, graphics, or the order of events for the ceremony on the fans. If you're feeling creative, you can even design and print your own artwork to feature on the fans.

Guest Involvement

If you're feeling creative, involve your guests in the process. You can leave boxes of crayons or coloured pencils for guests to decorate their fans as they wish. This can be a fun activity for children and adults alike and will add a unique touch to your wedding.

Assembly

Finally, if you're making a large number of fans, consider making it a fun group activity. Gather your friends or family and create an assembly line to speed up the process. This can be a fun way to spend time with your loved ones while getting your wedding crafts done!

Frequently asked questions