Creating A Wedding Fan: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding fans are a fun and unique way to present your wedding ceremony details. They are pretty and functional, keeping guests cool during warm spring and summer weddings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own wedding fans:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You will need wavy jumbo fan sticks, glue or double-sided tape, ribbon or twine, a mini corner rounder punch (optional), pre-printed programs, and a bone folder (optional).

Step 2: Prepare Your Paper

If you have a one-page design, fold and crease your paper before adding any glue. This will ensure that the glue doesn't stick or dry before you've lined up the paper. If you're working with thicker paper, use a bone folder to get a nice, neat crease.

Step 3: Attach the Fan Stick

Lay your program on a flat surface and apply a generous amount of glue to one side where the stick will go. Place the stick on the glue and press down firmly, making sure it's straight.

Step 4: Secure the Fan

Apply glue around the edges of the paper and fold immediately. Be generous with the glue where the stick is placed. Press each edge firmly to ensure all edges are sealed. Use clean fingers or a clean bone folder to avoid leaving marks on your design.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Use corner punches and add ribbon or twine to personalise your fans. You can also explore other decorative ideas like stamping, using different coloured sticks, or adding embellishments.

And there you have it! Your very own DIY wedding program fans, perfect for keeping your guests cool and informed during your special day.

Choosing the right paper

Paper Weight and Thickness:

• For two-sided printing, especially if you're using a home inkjet printer, opt for paper weighing between 65lb to 80lb. This weight range provides a good balance between sturdiness and ease of printing and folding.
• If you're creating one-sided fans, consider ordering from a professional printer and request paper weighing at least 110lb. This will ensure a thicker and more durable fan.

Paper Type:

• Cardstock is an excellent choice for wedding fan projects. It is thick and sturdy, making it ideal for assembling fans. White cardstock is a popular option, but you can also choose coloured cardstock to match your wedding theme.
• Index paper is another option, especially if you want to print graphics or messages on the fans. Index paper is readily available and feeds smoothly through most printers.
• For a folded paper fan, consider using lightweight paper like wrapping or scrapbook paper. This type of paper is easy to fold and can be glued to the fan stick.

Paper Size:

• Standard printer paper size, such as 8.5" x 11", is commonly used for wedding fan projects. You can fold the paper in half to create a fan without needing to make any cuts.
• If you prefer a smaller fan, you can trim the paper after printing. For example, you can take off 1/2" from the top and bottom of an 8.5" x 11" sheet to create a fan measuring 5.5" x 7.5".

Pre-Printed Designs:

• Consider the design you want on your fans before choosing the paper. If you plan to print directly onto the paper, ensure the paper is compatible with your printer to avoid issues like paper jams or ink smudging.
• Alternatively, you can print your designs on adhesive labels and then stick them onto the fan paper. This option provides more flexibility in paper choice as you're not limited by printer compatibility.

Paper Colour and Design:

• Choose a paper colour that complements your wedding colour palette. White is a classic and elegant choice, but you can also opt for coloured paper or even patterned paper to match your wedding theme.
• If you want to add a personalised touch, consider printing graphics, messages, or the wedding program on the fans. You can design this yourself or use online templates.

Folding the paper

Firstly, it is important to use the right type of paper. For a sturdier fan, opt for cardstock paper, which is thicker and stronger. If you want to make a folded paper fan, go for lightweight paper such as wrapping or scrapbook paper.

If you are printing a design or message on the paper, do this before you start folding. This way, you can avoid the ink smudging or the paper becoming difficult to fold. You can use a simple word processor like Microsoft Word to design your print, or go for something more advanced like Canva.

Now, for the folding process. If you are using cardstock paper, use a paper scoring board to mark and score the centre of the paper with a scoring tool. This will create an indented line down the middle of the paper, making it easier to fold neatly.

If you are using lightweight paper for a folded paper fan, fold the paper accordion-style. This means folding the paper in a back-and-forth pattern, creating a concertina effect.

For those using cardstock paper, simply fold the paper in half once you have scored the centre. You can use a bone folder to smooth out the crease and get a nice, sharp fold.

If you are making multiple fans, repeat this process for each piece of paper.

And there you have it! You have now successfully folded the paper for your wedding fan. The next steps will involve adding the handles and any finishing touches.

Using glue or double-sided tape

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

First, you will need to gather your supplies. For this project, you will need cardstock paper, fan sticks, glue or double-sided tape, and any other decorative items you may want to include, such as ribbon or twine. It is recommended to use heavier paper, such as 65lb-80lb paper for double-sided fans and 110lb paper for single-sided fans.

Step 2: Prepare Your Paper

Before adding any adhesive, prepare your paper by folding and creasing it. If you are creating a single-page design, fold the paper in half and crease it before adding any glue. This ensures that you don't have to worry about the glue sticking or drying before it is lined up. You can use a bone folder to create a nice, smooth crease.

Step 3: Apply the Adhesive

Now it's time to add the adhesive. If using glue, apply a generous amount to one side of the paper where the stick will go. Place the stick on the glue and press firmly, making sure it is straight. Then, apply glue around the edges of the paper and fold immediately.

If using double-sided tape, apply the tape to the inside of the fan where the handle will go. Then, attach the handle and adhere both sides of the folded paper together. It is important to use permanent double-sided tape to ensure it holds.

Step 4: Finish the Fans

Once the glue or tape is dry, you can add any finishing touches to your fans. This could include using corner punches, adding ribbon or twine, or coming up with your own embellishments. Get creative and personalise your fans to match your wedding theme or colours!

By following these steps, you can create beautiful and functional wedding fans that will keep your guests cool and happy.

Attaching the fan handle

Firstly, it is important to use the right type of adhesive. While glue may seem like a good option, it can leak through the cardstock and leave stains on your carefully crafted fan. As such, it is highly recommended to use permanent double-sided tape instead. This will ensure a strong hold without the risk of staining.

When you are ready to attach the handle, place a strip of double-sided tape on the inside of the fan, at the point where the handle will be secured. Then, carefully place the handle onto the tape, pressing down firmly to ensure a strong bond. You may also choose to add an extra strip of tape on top of the handle for added security.

If you are using ribbon or twine as an embellishment, now is the time to attach it. Simply wrap it around the handle and secure it with glue or tape. This will add a decorative touch to your wedding fan.

Finally, close the fan by adhering both sides of the folded cardstock together. Again, use double-sided tape for this step to avoid any potential staining. Press the sides together firmly, ensuring that all edges are sealed.

And there you have it! Your wedding fan handle is now securely attached, and your fans are almost ready for your big day. This simple process ensures a sturdy fan that will keep your guests cool and happy while also providing a beautiful and elegant keepsake.

Adding finishing touches

Adding the finishing touches to your wedding fan is a great way to personalise your fans and make them even more special. Here are some ideas for how to finish off your wedding fans:

Ribbon

Adding a ribbon to the handle of your fan is a lovely way to add a touch of elegance. You could use sheer organza ribbon, or any other type of ribbon that complements your wedding colours. This is a great way to add a bit of colour and texture to your fans.

Embellishments

Get creative and come up with your own embellishments to decorate your fans. You could try using a small hole punch to cut half-circles and then threading twine through them, or stamping your fan sticks with a design. You could also use glitter, stickers, or other craft supplies to decorate your fans.

Corners

Rounding the corners of your fans can give them a soft, elegant finish. You can buy a corner paper punch or corner rounder from a craft store to create a smooth, rounded edge. This is a great way to give your fans a professional look.

Printing

If you want to include a message or graphics on your fans, you can print directly onto the paper before assembling the fans. This could include the wedding ceremony details, the names of the wedding party, or a message to the guests. You could also print onto adhesive paper and then stick the design onto the fans.

Assembly

Finally, don't forget to assemble your fans securely. You can use double-sided tape or glue to attach the fan handles, but be careful to use enough adhesive so that the handles don't come loose. You don't want your fans falling apart during the wedding!

Frequently asked questions