Creating Wedding Fan Programs For Your Beach Ceremony

If you're planning a beach wedding, you might want to consider providing your guests with a small, hand-held fan to keep them cool during the ceremony. Wedding program fans are a great way to combine practicality with creativity, keeping your guests comfortable while also giving them the information they need to navigate your special day. In this article, we'll show you how to make beach wedding program fans, from designing the layout to assembling the final product. We'll also provide some inspiration for customizing your fans to match your wedding theme and style. So whether you're planning a rustic beach wedding or a chic coastal celebration, read on for tips and tricks to create the perfect wedding program fans.

Materials: Cardstock, wooden sticks, glue, etc

To make beach wedding program fans, you'll need the following materials:

Cardstock

Cardstock is a type of thick paper that will serve as the base of your fan. It comes in various colours, including white, navy, and cream, and can be printed on or painted on, depending on your preferred design. You can purchase it from craft stores or online.

Wooden Sticks

Wooden sticks will act as the handle of your fan. They can be simple and functional or more decorative, such as Popsicle sticks or sticks with a silky tassel attached. These can also be bought from craft stores or online.

Glue

Glue is necessary to attach the wooden stick to the cardstock. You can use a standard adhesive or consider using glue dots, which are often used in crafting.

Additionally, you may want to invest in some graphic design software, such as Canva, to design your program layout before printing. Embellishments like ribbon, flowers, or twine can also be added for a more decorative look. These extra touches can be found at most craft stores.

Design: Use Canva or similar software to design the layout

Designing your wedding program fans is a fun and creative process, and there are many ways to go about it. You can use graphic design software such as Canva to create a unique and personalised design.

When designing your fan, consider what information you want to include. Typically, wedding programs include the names of the couple, a wedding party, parents, and special guests. You may also want to include a schedule of events or a special note. Keep in mind that depending on the size and shape of your fan, you may have limited space for content.

If you're feeling creative, you can design your fan from scratch. Play around with different fonts, colours, and layouts to create a design that reflects your wedding theme and style. You can also add embellishments such as ribbons, flowers, or tassels to give your fans a decorative touch.

If you're looking for a more straightforward approach, you can find various templates online, including on Etsy and Canva. These templates are often customisable, allowing you to add your personal touch while saving time and effort.

Once you're happy with your design, print it onto cardstock paper and cut out the individual pieces. From there, you can follow the remaining steps to assemble your wedding program fans.

Print: Print the design onto the cardstock paper

Once you have your design ready, it's time to print it onto cardstock paper. You can do this at home if you have a good printer, or you can use a local print shop.

If you are printing at home, you'll need to make sure your printer settings are correct. Select the correct paper type and weight, and choose a high-quality print setting. You may also want to do a test print on plain paper first to check that your design is the correct size and that the colours are as expected.

If you are using a local print shop, you can send them your design file and specify the type and weight of cardstock you would like to use. They will be able to help you choose the best settings to ensure a high-quality print.

Printing onto cardstock can be more expensive than printing onto plain paper, so you may want to check the cost before you start. It's also a good idea to print a few extra copies in case of any mistakes when cutting out the individual pieces.

Once your design is printed, carefully cut out each fan, following the outline of your template. If you are printing multiple fans on a single sheet, you may want to separate them before gluing the wooden sticks in place.

Assemble: Cut out, glue the stick, fold accordion-style, and secure

Once you have designed and printed your wedding program fans, it's time to assemble them. Using a pair of scissors, cut out each individual piece. If you have opted for a more intricate shape, such as a heart or a circle, take your time and cut carefully along the outline.

Next, it's time to attach the handle. Apply a generous amount of glue to one end of the wooden stick and firmly press it onto the back of the cardstock paper. Ensure that the stick is centred and doesn't overlap with the edges of the paper. Allow the glue to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Now, it's time to give your fan its shape. Starting at the base of the stick, carefully fold the cardstock paper in an accordion style, creating even pleats. You can use a ruler to ensure that each fold is the same width. Once you reach the end of the paper, secure the fan by applying a small amount of glue to the last fold and pressing it gently onto the back of the fan.

If you want to add extra embellishments, such as ribbons or flowers, feel free to do so! You can attach them to the handle or the base of the fan for an extra decorative touch.

Embellishments: Add decorations like ribbon, flowers, or shells

Embellishments are a great way to add a decorative touch to your beach wedding program fans. Here are some ideas to elevate the look of your fans and impress your guests:

Ribbons and Twine

Ribbons or twine can be used to add a touch of elegance or a rustic charm to your fans. You can wrap a ribbon around the handle of the fan, creating a stylish accent. Alternatively, you can get creative and use ribbons or twine to embellish the fan however you like. Consider using colours that complement your wedding theme or beach-themed colours like shades of blue, cream, and white.

Flowers

Flowers are always a beautiful addition to any wedding décor. For your beach wedding program fans, you can use real or artificial flowers. Small silk flowers glued to the corners of the fan or wrapped around the handle can add a delicate and romantic touch. You could also use pressed flowers to create a unique and natural look. Choose flowers that fit your colour scheme or opt for beach-inspired blooms like baby's breath, seashells, or starfish.

Shells and Starfish

Bring the beach to your wedding with seashells and starfish embellishments. You can glue small shells along the edges of the fan or attach a larger shell or starfish to the handle. If you want to keep it simple, a single shell or starfish in one corner of the fan can make a statement. Go for natural colours or paint them to match your wedding colour palette. Your guests will love this unique and beachy detail.

Personalised Charms

Add a personalised charm to the handle of your fan for an extra special touch. You can find charms in various shapes, like stars, hearts, or initials, and even have them engraved with your wedding date or a special message. Charms can be made from various materials like metal, wood, or acrylic to fit your theme. This embellishment will make your fans memorable and cherished keepsakes for your guests.

Beads and Pearls

Incorporate beads or pearls into your fan design for a touch of elegance and sophistication. String small beads or pearls along the edge of the fan or wrap them around the handle. You can also use them to spell out words or create decorative patterns. Choose colours that complement your theme, such as soft blues and sandy neutrals for a beachy vibe.

With these embellishments, your beach wedding program fans will be both functional and stylish. Get creative and mix and match different elements to make them truly unique and representative of your special day!

Frequently asked questions