Creating Ceremony Fans: A Guide To Wedding Program Innovation

Wedding programs are a great way to guide your guests through the ceremony, and they can be made even more functional by turning them into fans—a perfect idea for summer weddings or poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Wedding program fans can be a beautiful and eco-friendly addition to your wedding, combining two items into one and saving you money. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as paper, wood, or fabric, and can be customised with different colours, fonts, and designs. You can even add a personal touch by hand-painting the fans or including a map of the venue. In this article, we will take you through the steps of making your own wedding ceremony program fans, from designing the template to assembling the final product.

Choose a design and print your programs on card stock

When it comes to choosing a design for your wedding program fans, the possibilities are endless. You can opt for a simple and classic look or get more creative with watercolour illustrations or hand-painted maps. You can also personalise your fans with your wedding colours, motifs or even a hand-painted illustration of your venue.

If you're feeling crafty, you can design your own wedding program fans using a program like Microsoft Word or by purchasing a template from Etsy or The Knot. When creating your design, be sure to include key information such as your names, wedding date, wedding party members, and the order of events.

Once you're happy with your design, it's time to print. You can print your programs on a regular home printer or take them to a local print shop if you have a large quantity. Be sure to print on card stock—a thick and sturdy paper that will hold up when assembled as a fan. Choose a colour that complements your design and don't forget to select a font that is easy to read.

After printing, gather your supplies and get ready to assemble your fans. You'll need a paper scoring board to mark and score the centre of the program, creating a perfect fold. A corner paper punch will give your fans a soft, rounded edge, but this step is optional if you prefer a more angular look.

With your designs printed and supplies ready, you're well on your way to creating elegant and functional wedding program fans.

Fold the card stock

To make a wedding ceremony program fan, you'll need to fold the card stock in half. This is a crucial step in creating the fan shape and ensuring the program is the correct size. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:

Before you begin folding, it's essential to have all the necessary tools and materials ready. For this step, you'll need the printed card stock with your wedding program design, a paper scoring board or a bone folder, and a craft knife or scissors.

Start by placing your printed card stock on a flat surface. If you're using a paper scoring board, align the center of the card stock with the groove or channel on the board. This groove will help you create a precise fold. If you don't have a paper scoring board, that's okay! You can use a bone folder or even a blunt knife to create a crease.

Using the scoring tool or bone folder, firmly run it along the center of the card stock, creating an indented line. This line will act as a guide for your fold. If you're using a craft knife, gently run the blade along the surface, being careful not to cut through the paper. You just want to create a slight indentation to guide your fold.

Once you have the indentation, carefully fold the card stock in half along the scored line. For a crisp and precise fold, use your fingernail or the bone folder to sharpen the crease. Run it along the fold to ensure a neat and straight edge.

If you're using heavier card stock or if you want to add extra decoration to your program fan, you can also use scissors or a craft knife to round the corners of the card stock before folding. This step is entirely optional but can add a nice touch to your design.

After folding, your card stock should now be in a half-page format, with the wedding program visible on the outside and the ability to open it like a book. This folded card stock will form the base of your program fan.

Now it's time to move on to the next steps, which include adding a handle, such as a wavy fan handle or a Popsicle stick, and perhaps embellishing your fan with ribbons or other decorations. Remember to be creative and have fun with the process!

Round the corners of the card stock

Rounding the corners of your card stock is a great way to soften the overall look of your wedding fan programs. It's an easy step to do, and there are lots of options for corner paper punches if you want to get fancier.

To round the corners of your card stock, you'll need a corner paper punch. You can find these at your local craft store or online. There are many different styles of corner punches to choose from, so take some time to browse and find the one that best suits your wedding theme and style. Some options include a classic round corner, a scalloped edge, or a more intricate design.

Once you have your corner punch, simply line it up with the corner of your folded card stock and squeeze to create a soft, rounded edge. Do this for all four corners of the card stock. If you're worried about getting a clean cut, practice on some scrap paper first to get a feel for the punch.

Rounding the corners is a simple way to add a touch of elegance to your wedding fan programs. It's an easy step that can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your wedding stationery. It's also a nice way to avoid sharp corners that could poke your guests while they're trying to stay cool.

Feel free to get creative with your corner design, or keep it classic—either way, your guests will surely appreciate the thoughtful detail that went into your wedding fan programs.

Attach the fan handle

Now it's time to attach the fan handle. You can be creative here and use different materials such as Popsicle sticks, tongue depressors, bamboo, or wooden sticks. If you want a more elegant look, you can opt for a wavy fan handle. These are easily available at craft stores or online.

Once you have your desired handle, it's important to use the right adhesive to attach it to the inside of the program. Avoid using glue as it may leak through the cardstock and leave stains. Instead, opt for permanent double-sided tape. This will ensure a strong and mess-free bond.

Place the tape on the inside of the fan, towards the bottom, and firmly press the handle into place. Ensure that the handle is straight and securely attached before moving on to the next step.

If you're using a woven fan, you can attach the program with a dainty string of twine or a pretty curl of ribbon. For wooden or paper fans, you can paint or print the wedding program directly onto the fan. This not only looks creative but is also a budget-savvy and eco-friendly option.

You can also add a finishing touch to the handle with a pretty ribbon. Sheer organza ribbon in silver or gold is an elegant choice that will complement any wedding color scheme.

Finish with a ribbon

Adding a ribbon to your wedding program fans is a great way to add a personal touch and a bit of flair. Here are some tips and ideas to help you finish your wedding ceremony program fans with ribbon:

Choose the Right Ribbon

Select a ribbon that complements your wedding colours and theme. You can opt for a dainty string of twine or a pretty curl of ribbon. Organza, satin, and chiffon ribbons are all great options, and you can choose from a variety of colours and widths to match your style. Play around with different options and see what looks best with your fan design!

Measure and Cut

Once you've chosen your ribbon, it's time to measure and cut. Cut the ribbon to a length that allows you to tie it comfortably around the handle of the fan with a bow. You don't want the ribbon to be too long, as it may get in the way, but you also want to ensure it's long enough to create a nice bow. Depending on the look you want, you can cut the ribbon to varying lengths, but generally, 12 inches is a good starting point.

Tying the Ribbon

When tying the ribbon, you can go for a simple bow or get creative with different types of knots and styles. Experiment with different looks and see what suits your fan design best. You can also add additional embellishments to the ribbon, such as small charms, beads, or even fresh or dried flowers to give it an extra special touch.

Embellishments and Personalization

Adding a personalised touch to your ribbon can make your fans even more unique. Consider adding monogrammed initials, a small illustration, or a meaningful symbol to the ribbon. You can also explore different textures and patterns in the ribbon to add visual interest. If you're feeling extra creative, you can even try your hand at dyeing or painting the ribbon to match your wedding colours perfectly.

Final Touches

Once you've tied the ribbon and added any embellishments, take a step back and review your work. Ensure that the ribbon is secure and won't come undone easily. Double-check that the overall look of the fan is balanced and that the ribbon complements the design. If you're happy with the result, congratulations! You've successfully added the finishing touch to your wedding ceremony program fans.

Frequently asked questions