Crafting Paddle Fan Wedding Programs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Paddle fan wedding programs 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.

To make paddle fan wedding programs, you will need:

- Fan sticks (wavy or straight)

- Glue (zig 2-way glue pen) or double-sided tape

- Ribbon or twine (optional)

- Corner rounder punch (optional)

- Cardstock or paper (65-80lb for two-sided fans, 110lb for one-sided fans)

- Printer (home or professional)

- Bone folder (optional)

First, download and customise a template for your program. Once you are satisfied with the design, print your programs on your chosen paper. Fold and crease your paper, then use a corner paper punch to round the corners, if desired.

Next, attach the fan handle with glue or double-sided tape. Be sure to use a generous amount of glue to ensure a strong hold. Finally, add any finishing touches, such as ribbon or twine, to personalise your fans.

Choosing the right paper

Paper Weight:

When selecting paper for your paddle fan wedding programs, it is important to consider the weight of the paper. For printing at home, it is recommended to use paper with a weight between 65-67 lb (65-80 gsm). This weight ensures that your home printer can handle it without any issues, and it gives a professional feel to your DIY project. However, if you are only printing on one side, it is advisable to order from a professional printer and request a heavier paper, such as 110 lb (160 gsm) or more.

Paper Type:

The type of paper you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of your paddle fan wedding programs. For a classic and elegant style, cardstock is an excellent option as it is thick and sturdy, making it ideal for fan assembly. White cardstock is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with different colours to match your wedding theme. If you prefer a more rustic look, brown Kraft paper is a great alternative.

Paper Finish:

The finish of the paper can also impact the overall appearance of your paddle fan wedding programs. A smooth finish, such as that found on cardstock, will give your fans a polished and elegant look. However, if you want to add a more natural or rustic feel, consider using paper with a textured finish, such as Kraft paper.

Paper Size:

The size of the paper will depend on the size of your paddle fan wedding programs. A standard 8.5" x 11" (21.6 cm x 27.9 cm) paper is commonly used for this project, as it allows for a one-page design that can be folded in half without any cuts. However, if you want to create a larger fan, you can insert a bigger rectangle between the two sheets when gluing them together.

Printing Options:

You can print your paddle fan wedding programs at home using a regular printer, or you can use a local print/copy shop, especially if you have a large quantity to print. When printing at home, ensure your printer can handle the selected paper weight to avoid any issues.

By following these tips and selecting the right paper for your paddle fan wedding programs, you will be well on your way to creating beautiful and functional fans that will impress your wedding guests!

Printing the template

Step 1: Download and Customise the Template

Firstly, download a wedding program fan template from a website. You can find free templates online, or you can purchase one that suits your style. Once you have the template, open it in a word-processing software like Microsoft Word. Customise the template by adding your ceremony and bridal party details. Feel free to change the formatting and fonts to match your theme, but make sure to stay within the trim lines.

Step 2: Choose the Right Paper

When printing the template, use 8.5" x 11" card stock paper. For a DIY project, 65-80lb paper is recommended, especially if you're using a home inkjet printer. However, if you're only printing on one side, it's best to use a professional printer and opt for 110lb paper.

Step 3: Print the Template

Now, print the template. If you have a large quantity, consider using a local print/copy shop.

Step 4: Fold the Card Stock

After printing, use a paper scoring board or an X-acto knife and a ruler to score the centre of the program to create an indented straight line. This will help you achieve a perfect fold.

Step 5: Round the Corners (Optional)

If you want to add a soft touch to your paddle fan wedding programs, use a corner paper punch on all four corners of the folded card stock. There are various corner paper punches available, so choose one that suits your style.

Step 6: Assemble the Fan

Now, it's time to bring all the elements together. Attach the fan handle to the inside of the program using double-sided tape. Avoid using glue, as it may leak through the cardstock and leave stains. Once the handle is secure, adhere both sides of the folded program together.

Step 7: Embellish with Ribbon (Optional)

To add a finishing touch, embellish the fan handle with ribbon. Sheer organza ribbon in silver or gold is an elegant choice, but you can also choose a colour that complements your wedding theme.

Tips:

• If you're making a large number of fans, consider assembling them in a production line with friends and family.
• For a one-page design, fold and crease the paper before adding any glue to avoid sticking issues.
• When using glue, be generous, especially where the stick will be placed.

Folding the card stock

To make paddle fan wedding programs, you will need to print your wedding program design on card stock. Once you have printed out your design, you can start folding the card stock.

Firstly, use a paper scoring board to mark and score the centre of the program with the score tool. This will make an indented straight line down the card stock to help you create a perfect fold. If you don't have a paper scoring board, you can use the non-blade point of an X-acto knife and a ruler to score the program down the middle.

Next, fold the program in half to make a booklet. If you are working with thicker paper, you may find it difficult to get a nice crease. In this case, you can use a bone folder to smooth out the crease.

Now, use a corner paper punch on all four corners of the folded card stock to create a soft rounded edge. There are many options for corner paper punches if you would prefer a fancier corner on your programs.

Adding the fan handle

Step 1: Prepare the Fan Handle

Before attaching the fan handle, ensure that it is ready for adhesion. If you are using wooden fan handles, check if they have sticky glue on them. If not, apply double-sided tape to the fan handle, especially on the area that will come in contact with the paper. This will ensure a strong bond between the handle and the paper.

Step 2: Position the Fan Handle

Place the fan handle in the centre of the bottom edge of the printed program. For accurate placement, use a ruler to measure the centre point.

Step 3: Attach the Fan Handle

Carefully fold the program over the fan handle, ensuring that the handle is secured in the centre. Press down firmly on the paper to achieve good adhesion. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the fan handle is securely attached to the program.

Step 4: Embellish the Fan Handle (Optional)

To add a decorative touch to the fan handle, consider using ribbon, twine, or other embellishments. For a cohesive look, match the colour of the ribbon or twine to the wedding colour palette. You can also spray paint the fan handles before attaching them to the program. This will give them an accent colour that complements the overall design.

Step 5: Allow for Drying

Before proceeding to the next steps, allow the adhesive to dry completely. This will ensure that the fan handle is securely attached and reduce the risk of any mishaps.

By following these steps, you can effectively add the fan handle to your paddle fan wedding programs, creating a functional and elegant addition to your wedding day.

Finishing touches

Embellishments

Add the final touches to your paddle fan wedding programs with embellishments such as corner punches, ribbons, or twine. You can also get creative and come up with your own unique decorations. For instance, you could use a small hole punch to cut half-circles and attach twine to your fan.

Assembly

To speed up the assembly process, create a production line. Recruit friends and family to help with the project, and assign each person a specific task, such as scoring and folding, trimming, taping, and pressing.

Paper Weight

If you're printing on both sides of the paper, use 65lb-80lb paper, especially if you're using a home inkjet printer. For one-sided printing, it's best to use a professional printer and opt for 110lb paper.

Frequently asked questions