Creating Wedding Fans: 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 your guests cool during warm spring and summer weddings. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own wedding fans:

Firstly, download and customise a template for your program. Once you are satisfied with the design, you can proceed to printing. If you have a one-page design, it is best to fold and crease your paper before gluing. This way, you don't have to worry about the glue sticking or drying before it's lined up. When using thicker paper, you may want to use a bone folder to help with creasing.

Now, lay your program on a flat surface and apply glue to one side where the stick goes. Place the stick on the fan and press firmly, ensuring it is straight. Apply glue around the edges and fold immediately, being generous with the glue where the stick will be placed. Press each edge firmly to ensure all edges are sealed.

Finally, add your finishing touches. You can use corner punches, apply ribbon or twine, or come up with your own embellishments to personalise your fans.

Choosing the right paper

• Paper Weight: The weight of the paper is measured in pounds, and it is recommended to use paper between 65lb-80lb for double-sided printing, especially when using a home inkjet printer. For single-sided printing, it is best to use a professional printer and request paper that is at least 110lb.
• Paper Type: Cardstock is a popular choice for wedding fan programs as it is thick and sturdy. Index paper or card stock is also a good option, and you can choose plain or coloured paper depending on your preference. If you want to fold the paper, consider using a lightweight paper like wrapping or scrapbook paper.
• Paper Colour: You can choose any colour that coordinates with your wedding theme. White cardstock is a classic choice, but you can also opt for coloured paper or Kraft paper for a rustic look.
• Paper Finish: Consider the finish of the paper, as some papers may not work well with certain types of printers. For example, semi-shiny paper may be more difficult to print on and may require a laser jet printer.
• Paper Size: The size of the paper will depend on the design and number of pages. For a single-page design, you can use 8.5" x 11" paper and fold it in half.

Printing the design

Choosing the Right Paper and Printer

First, select the appropriate paper weight for your fans. If you are creating a two-sided fan, use 65lb-80lb paper, especially if printing with a home inkjet printer. For one-sided fans, order from a professional printer and request 110lb paper or heavier cardstock.

Designing the Fans

You can create your own design using Microsoft Word or other software, or download and customise templates available online. Include important details like wedding party names, ceremony information, and messages to your guests. Don't forget to choose a font style and size that is easy to read.

Printing

If you have a small number of fans, you can print them at home. However, for larger quantities, consider using a local print/copy shop. Remember to print a test page first to ensure the design, colours, and text alignment are correct.

Final Checks

After printing, gather all the supplies you need for the next steps, including a paper scorer, corner rounder, fan handles, and glue or double-sided tape. Check that you have enough fans printed, and that they look exactly as you want them to. Now you are ready to move on to the next steps of creating your wedding fans!

Folding the paper

Firstly, print your desired design on the paper of your choice. It is recommended to use thicker paper, such as card stock, for stability. If you are printing on both sides, opt for 65lb-80lb paper, especially when using a home inkjet printer. For one-sided printing, order from a professional printer and request at least 110lb paper.

Once you have your printed design, it's time to fold! If you are working with thicker paper, use a bone folder to help you get a precise, neat fold. Simply line up the corners of your paper and use the bone folder to smooth out the crease. You can also use a paper scoring board to mark and score the centre of the paper, creating an indented line to guide your fold.

If you are making a one-page design, fold the paper in half. This way, you won't have to worry about cuts, and the glue won't stick or dry before you've lined it up. If you are making a folded paper fan, fold the paper accordion-style, and then glue the stick to the base of the folds.

For a simple, classic look, fold the paper once, in half. If you want to get creative, you can try different folding styles, such as an accordion fold or folding the paper into a circle or a flower shape.

After folding, you can use a corner paper punch to round the edges of your paper. This adds a soft, elegant touch to your fans. There are many options available, from classic round corners to fancier styles.

Now you are ready for the next steps of assembling your DIY wedding fans!

Attaching the handle

Firstly, decide on the type of adhesive you want to use. You can opt for double-sided tape or glue. If you choose glue, there are various options available, such as glue pens, glue sticks, or spray adhesive. It is important to note that glue may leak through the cardstock and leave stains, so it is recommended to use permanent double-sided tape to avoid this issue.

Next, prepare your fan base. If you are using paper, ensure it is cut to the desired size and shape. Fold the paper in half if you are creating a simple fan. For thicker paper, you may need to use a bone folder to create a neat crease. If you are using cardstock, score the center of the cardstock with a paper scoring board before folding to achieve a precise fold.

Now, it's time to attach the handle. Place a generous amount of glue or double-sided tape on one side of the fan base, where the handle will go. Carefully position the handle and press firmly to ensure it is straight and secure. If using glue, be mindful of the amount you apply to avoid any leakage.

After securing the handle, it's important to reinforce the bond. If using glue, apply it around the edges of the fan base and immediately fold, ensuring that the glue is generous where the handle is placed. If using double-sided tape, apply additional strips of tape along the edges and in the center, close to the handle, on both sides of the fan base. This will provide extra stability.

Finally, press each edge firmly to seal the fan. Use clean fingers or a clean bone folder to avoid leaving any marks on your fan design.

By following these steps, you can confidently attach the handles to your wedding fans, ensuring they are sturdy and secure for your guests to use and enjoy!

Adding the finishing touches

Embellishments

Add some extra flair to your fans with embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or bows. You can tie a ribbon or twine around the fan handle to give it a decorative touch. If you want to add a bow, consider using a hot glue gun to secure it in place.

Corner Punches

Rounding the corners of your fan programs can give them a soft, elegant finish. You can use a corner punch or a corner cutter to achieve this look. Go for a classic rounded corner, or explore fancier options available at craft stores.

Personalisation

Customise your fan programs by stamping the fan sticks or adding your own creative touches. You can also use a small hole punch to cut half-circles and attach twine or other embellishments. Be creative and explore different ways to make your fans unique.

Colour Scheme

Coordinate the colour of your fans with your wedding colour scheme. Choose fan handles and paper in complementary colours to create a cohesive look. You can also incorporate graphics, messages, or the wedding date to make them even more special.

Assembly Party

If you're making a large number of fans, consider hosting an assembly party with your bridal party or friends. It can be a fun way to get help with the fans while spending time with your loved ones. Put on a movie, prepare some snacks, and create an assembly line to make the process more enjoyable.

Remember, these are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment and add your own creative touches to your wedding fan programs. Enjoy the process and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Frequently asked questions