Creating Beautiful Paper Fans For Your Wedding Day

Paper fans are a great DIY project for weddings, especially outdoor weddings in the summer heat. They are simple to make and can be personalised to fit the style of your event. All you need is paper, glue or tape, and fan handles. You can also decorate your fans with ribbon, twine, or paper cutouts. To make a paper fan, start by folding a sheet of paper accordion-style. Then, fold the paper in half and secure it with glue or tape. Attach a fan handle to the inside of the fan and decorate as desired.

Choosing paper and fan handles

When making paper fans for weddings, there are a few things to consider when choosing the paper and fan handles. Firstly, the paper weight and type are important. For single-sided fans, it is recommended to use paper weighing at least 110 lb, which can be ordered from a professional printer. For double-sided fans, a thinner paper weighing between 65 lb and 80 lb is more suitable for printing on a home inkjet printer. The type of paper also depends on the style of fan you want to make. For a folded paper fan, a lightweight paper such as wrapping or scrapbook paper is recommended. On the other hand, if you want to make a sturdy fan, you can use index card stock, file folder, or cut-up poster board.

The colour and design of the paper can also be chosen to match the wedding theme. Plain paper can be used, or you can print messages or graphics on the paper before making the fans. If there are children attending the wedding, you can leave the fans plain and provide crayons for the children to decorate their own fans. For a more elegant look, you can print wedding programs on the paper before assembling the fans. This can be done using Microsoft Word on a laptop and printing them out on a regular home printer or a local print/copy shop for larger quantities.

When it comes to fan handles, there are a few options to choose from. Wooden fan handles are a popular choice and can be found in wavy or straight styles. The size of the fan handle will depend on the size of the fan, with 6-inch or 8-inch handles being commonly used. Coloured fan handles are also available, with some sources offering ten different colour options. Alternatively, you can use black wavy fan handles and use chalk to add designs, initials, or have people write their names for place cards.

Folding paper accordion-style

To make a paper fan for a wedding, you can fold paper accordion-style. This method is simple, and you only need paper and tape or glue. You can also decorate your fans with ribbon, twine, or string.

First, take a sheet of paper and fold it accordion-style, alternating between 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch folds. Repeat this process for a second sheet of paper if you want a medium-sized fan, or do this with three sheets if you want a bigger fan. Once you have your paper folded accordion-style, pinch the centre and push the two sides together to fold the paper in half.

Now you can tape or glue the inner ends together to create a half-sized fan. Make sure that if you're using tape, you only tape on one side so that the other side looks clean. Repeat this process with the other piece(s) of paper so that you have two half-fan sizes. Then, tape these together, again remembering to only tape on one side.

Finally, you can decorate your fan by adding alternating cardstock coloured circles to the centre, which can hide any imperfections and create a pretty, flowery look. You can also punch holes in the paper and loop twine or string through to hang your decorations.

Attaching paper and handles

Attaching the paper and handles is a crucial step in making paper fans for weddings. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you achieve a secure and elegant finish:

Preparing the Paper:

Before attaching the handles, it is essential to prepare the paper by folding it into a fan shape. This can be done by folding the paper accordion-style, with alternating folds of 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch. Once folded, pinch the centre and push the two sides together to fold the paper in half. This will create a half-sized fan. Repeat this process with additional sheets of paper if you want a larger fan.

Attaching the Handles:

For this step, you will need a sturdy adhesive, such as double-sided tape or glue. If using glue, apply a generous amount to one side of the folded paper where the stick will be placed. Press the handle firmly into the glue, ensuring it is straight. If using double-sided tape, attach the tape to the inside of the fan, securing the handle in place.

Securing the Fan:

Once the handle is attached, it's time to secure the fan by adhering both sides of the folded paper together. For a clean finish, use tape or glue only on the inside of the fan, avoiding any excess adhesive showing on the outside. Press the edges firmly to ensure a strong bond.

Embellishments:

To add a decorative touch, consider using ribbon or twine. You can wrap or tie it around the handle, adding a bow or leaving the ends flowing for a whimsical look. This step is also an opportunity to personalise the fans with stamps, printed messages, or graphics.

Final Checks:

Before placing the fans at each setting, ensure that the adhesive is completely dry to prevent any accidental smudges or stains. Check that the handles are securely attached and that the fan opens and closes smoothly.

Your paper fans are now ready to be used at your wedding, providing a functional and stylish addition to your special day!

Adding decorations

Once you have assembled your paper fan, you can decorate it in a variety of ways to match your wedding theme and style.

One way to decorate your paper fan is to add coloured circles in alternating colours to the centre of the fan. This can help to hide any imperfections and creates a pretty, flowery look. You can also add a personal touch by stamping your initials or printing a message or graphics on the paper before making the fans.

To finish off your fan, you can use corner punches, apply ribbon or twine, or add your own embellishments. For example, you could use a small hole punch to cut half-circles and add twine to your fan. You could also try using different coloured sticks to match your wedding colour scheme. If you are using black wavy fan sticks, you can use chalk to add a design, initials, or have people write their names for place cards.

If you are making the paper fans as a fun activity for children at your wedding, you could leave the fans plain and provide boxes of crayons for guests to decorate their fans as they wish.

Printing on paper

Choosing the Right Paper:

• For two-sided printing, use 65lb-80lb paper, especially if you're using a home inkjet printer. This weight ensures the paper is sturdy enough for the fan while still being compatible with your printer.
• If you're only printing on one side, consider using a professional printing service and opt for 110lb paper or heavier cardstock. This will give your fans a more luxurious feel.

Designing Your Print:

• You can create a simple design using word processing software like Microsoft Word or design software of your choice. Include wedding program details such as wedding party names, ceremony details, and messages to guests.
• Choose a font style and size that complement your wedding theme. A combination of plain and script fonts, such as Great Vibes and Josefin, can give a classic and elegant look.
• If you're artistically inclined, you can also add graphics or illustrations to your design.

Printing Tips:

• Before printing a large quantity, consider doing a test print on your home printer to ensure the colours and alignment are correct.
• If you're satisfied with the test print, you can proceed to print on your desired paper. However, if adjustments are needed, consider using a professional printing service.
• Printing on a plain white cardstock will give you a clean and elegant look, but you can also explore coloured paper options to match your wedding colour palette.

Post-Printing Preparation:

• Once your designs are printed, gather all the necessary supplies, such as fan handles, adhesives, and embellishments, before proceeding to the next steps of fan assembly.
• If your design is single-sided and printed on 8.5" x 11" paper, follow the tip from CraftySticks and fold it in half before adding glue to avoid any sticking or drying issues.
• For thicker paper, consider using a bone folder to create a neat crease before gluing.

Frequently asked questions