Creating Wedding Ceremony Fans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding ceremony fans are a fun and functional way to keep your guests cool and informed during your big day. They can be especially useful for outdoor weddings or celebrations in warm climates. Fans can be purchased pre-made or assembled from a kit, but if you're feeling creative, you can also make your own from scratch. This DIY approach allows you to personalise your fans to match your wedding's theme and colour palette. You can even paint or print the wedding program directly onto wooden or paper fans. In this article, we'll guide you through the supplies and steps needed to craft elegant and functional wedding ceremony fans.

Printing the wedding program

Design

Before printing, you need to decide on the design of your wedding program. You can choose to design it yourself using software like Microsoft Word, or hire a stationer to help with the design. When designing, consider including details such as the wedding date, the couple's names, the wedding party, and a timeline of the ceremony. You can also add personal touches like watercolour illustrations or a map of the venue.

Printing Options

Once your design is finalised, you can choose to print the programs yourself or use a professional printing service. If you are printing a large quantity, a local print shop may be a more convenient option.

When printing, it is recommended to use thicker paper, such as card stock, to ensure the fans are sturdy. The recommended paper weight varies depending on the type of printer and whether you are printing single or double-sided. For double-sided printing on a home inkjet printer, use paper weighing between 65lb and 80lb. For single-sided printing, order from a professional printer and opt for paper weighing at least 110lb.

Assembly

After printing, you will need to fold the programs and attach the fan handles. If you are making a large number of fans, consider gathering a group of friends to help with the assembly process. This can be a fun group activity!

Folding the printed card stock

Once you've printed your wedding program design on card stock, it's time to fold the printed card stock.

If you have a one-page design, it's best to fold and crease your paper before adding any glue. This way, you don't have to worry about the glue sticking or drying before it's lined up. Use a bone folder to help you get a nice, neat crease. Line up the corners of the card stock and use the bone folder to smooth out the crease. You can usually find bone folders in the craft sections of shops, or in craft and art supply stores, for under $5.

If your design is printed on both sides of the card stock, it's recommended to use 65lb-80lb paper. If your design is only printed on one side, you can order from a professional printer and ask for at least 110lb paper.

If your design includes a stick, you'll want to apply a generous amount of glue to one side where the stick goes, and place the stick on the fan. Press firmly and make sure it is straight. Apply glue around the edges and fold immediately, being sure to use enough glue where the stick will be placed. Press each edge firmly, making sure all edges are sealed. Use clean fingers or a clean bone folder for this, as even a small amount of grease or glue can leave a mark on your design.

Rounding the corners

Once you've printed out your wedding programs, you'll want to round the corners of the card stock for a soft, elegant finish. This can be done with a corner paper punch, which can be purchased from any craft store. If you're going for a classic look, a simple rounded corner will do the trick, but there are also lots of options for fancier corners if you want to add a bit of flair.

Using a corner paper punch is easy and only requires a few steps. First, line up the corner of your card stock with the punch. Then, apply firm, even pressure to cut the corner. Repeat this process for all four corners of the card stock. You may need to empty the paper punches in between cuts to ensure a clean finish.

If you're looking to add even more detail to your wedding programs, there are corner paper punches with decorative edges that can give your fans a unique look. You can also try using scalloped scissors to create a soft, wavy edge. This will give your fans a more romantic feel.

When rounding the corners, it's important to be precise and apply even pressure to ensure that all the corners look uniform. It's also a good idea to test the corner punch on a piece of scrap paper before punching your final wedding programs, just in case any adjustments are needed.

Adding rounded corners to your wedding programs is a simple way to elevate the design and create a polished look. It's an easy step that can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your fans.

Attaching the fan handle

If you are using pre-printed paper, fold and crease it before adding any glue. This will ensure that the glue doesn't stick or dry before everything is lined up. You can use a bone folder to help you create a neat crease.

Now, lay your paper on a flat surface and apply a generous amount of glue to one side of the paper where the stick will go. Place the stick on the glue and press down firmly, making sure it is straight.

Next, apply glue around the edges of the paper and fold immediately. Be sure to use plenty of glue where the stick will be placed. Press each edge firmly to ensure all edges are sealed. Use clean fingers or a clean bone folder for this step, as grease or glue can leave marks on your design.

Finally, add any finishing touches, such as ribbon or twine. You can also use a corner punch to round the corners of the paper for a softer look.

Adding finishing touches

Adding the final touches to your wedding ceremony fans can make all the difference in achieving a polished look. Here are some ideas to elevate your fans and make them even more special:

Embellishments and Accents

• Ribbons or Twine: Adding a delicate ribbon or twine to the handle of your fan is a lovely way to enhance its appearance. Opt for sheer organza ribbon in colours like silver or gold for a touch of elegance. You can also use twine to create a whimsical look, especially if you're going for a rustic or outdoor wedding theme.
• Tassels: A tassel accent can take your fans to the next level. Choose a colour that complements your wedding palette, such as a lush blush tassel or a bright pink tassel for a pop of colour.
• Watercolour Illustrations or Map: Include a watercolour illustration or a hand-painted map of your wedding venue for a unique and personalized touch. This adds a creative element that your guests will surely appreciate.

Presentation and Display

• Wicker Basket: Place your fans in a wicker basket accented with flowers that match your wedding colours. This creates a charming display and makes it easy for guests to pick up a fan as they arrive.
• Chic Containers: For a more modern approach, consider displaying your fans in clear containers, such as glass vases or acrylic boxes. Fill the containers with colourful confetti or flowers to make the fans stand out.
• Fan Assembly Party: If you're feeling crafty, host a fan assembly party with your bridal party. It can be a fun get-together where everyone helps put the fans together while enjoying snacks and drinks.

Customisation and Personalisation

• Customised Handles: Instead of plain wooden handles, opt for something more unique. Popsicle sticks, for example, add a playful nod to the summer season. You can also wrap the handles with thick ribbons or add tassels for a personalised touch.
• Monograms and Etching: Customise your fans with monograms or etched designs that reflect your wedding theme or your names and wedding date. This adds a special touch that your guests will surely notice.
• Colourful Sticks: Choose coloured sticks that match your wedding palette to add a pop of colour to your fans. From rose-coloured sticks to various other shades, you can find options that complement your theme.

Remember, the finishing touches are all about making your wedding ceremony fans unique and memorable. Get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different ideas to achieve the look you desire.

Frequently asked questions