Creating Wedding Fans: A Step-By-Step Guide For Your Big Day

Wedding program fans are a fun and unique way to present your wedding ceremony details. They are pretty and functional, keeping your guests cool and informed during the ceremony. Here is a simple guide on how to make your own wedding program fans.

Materials:

- Wavy jumbo fan sticks

- Glue (Zig 2-Way Glue Pen or glue tape)

- Ribbon or twine (optional)

- Mini corner rounder punch (optional)

- Pre-printed program

- Bone folder (optional)

- Cardstock paper

Steps:

Step 1: Design and Print

Design your wedding program using software such as Microsoft Word, Canva, or graphic design software. You can include details such as the schedule, wedding party names, and ceremony details. Then, print your design onto cardstock paper.

Step 2: Cut and Fold

Cut out the individual pieces from the printed cardstock. If you have a one-page design, fold and crease your paper before adding the glue. Fold the paper in half and use a bone folder to smooth out the crease if needed.

Step 3: Attach the Stick

Apply a generous amount of glue to one side of the cardstock where the stick will go. Place the stick on the glue and press firmly to secure it in place.

Step 4: Secure the Fan

Apply glue around the edges of the cardstock and fold immediately. Be generous with the glue where the stick is placed. Press each edge firmly to ensure all edges are sealed.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Add your personal touches to the fan with embellishments such as ribbon, twine, or flowers. You can also use corner punches to round the corners of the fan.

And there you have it! Your very own wedding program fans, customized to match your wedding theme and style.

Choosing the right paper

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper is measured in pounds (lbs) and ranges from 65 lbs to 110 lbs for wedding fan projects. The weight you choose will depend on whether you are printing single-sided or double-sided fans, and the type of printer you are using.

For double-sided fans, a paper weight of 65-80 lbs is recommended, especially if you are using a home inkjet printer. This weight provides a good balance between sturdiness and ease of printing/folding.

For single-sided fans, it is recommended to use a professional printer and request at least 110 lbs paper. This will ensure that the paper is thick and sturdy enough to hold its shape and not flop around when used as a fan.

Paper Type

The type of paper you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of your wedding fans. Here are some common types of paper used for wedding fan projects:

• Cardstock is a good option for wedding fans as it is thick and sturdy. It can be easily printed on and folded, making it a popular choice for DIY wedding fan projects.
• Kraft paper is a type of paper that has a rustic look to it. It is a good option if you want to give your wedding fans a more natural, earthy feel.
• Regular printer paper (8.5" x 11"") can be used if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option or if you want to create a single-page design that can be folded in half without any cuts. However, keep in mind that regular printer paper is thinner and less durable than cardstock or Kraft paper.

Printing and Folding

When choosing the paper for your wedding fans, consider the printing method you will use. If you are printing the fans yourself, make sure your home printer can handle the weight of the paper. If you are using a professional printer, they may have specific paper requirements or recommendations.

Additionally, think about the folding process. Thicker papers may be more difficult to fold, so you might want to consider using a bone folder to help create a neat crease. You can usually find bone folders in craft stores or art supply stores for a reasonable price.

Embellishments

If you plan to add embellishments like ribbon, twine, or flowers to your wedding fans, make sure to choose a paper that complements these additions. For example, if you want to add a ribbon to the handle, choose a paper color that goes well with the ribbon.

Number of Fans

Finally, consider the number of fans you need to make. The paper weight and type will impact the overall cost of your project, so choose accordingly. If you are making a large number of fans, it might be more cost-effective to choose a lighter-weight paper or a more budget-friendly option.

In summary, when choosing the paper for your wedding fans, consider the weight, type, printing method, folding ease, embellishments, and the number of fans you need. By selecting the right paper, you can create beautiful and functional wedding fans that your guests will appreciate.

Folding and creasing

First, if you have a one-page design, it's best to fold and crease your paper before gluing. This way, you avoid the hassle of the glue sticking or drying before everything is lined up. For thicker paper, use a bone folder to get a nice, neat crease. Line up the corners and use the bone folder to smooth out the crease.

Next, fold your template in half using the centre crop marks. This creates an exact mark to show you the fold line. Once you've made a nice crease, trim the template along the crop marks. Using a paper cutter will give you the quickest and best results. Trimming the template while folded ensures precise cuts and a clean finish.

Now, it's time to glue the fan together. Apply glue to the edges of the paper. Then, place a few strips of glue tape in the centre for the paddle stick. Do this on both sides of the template. Be sure to centre the paddle stick and keep it straight. Insert the paddle stick halfway into the paper.

Finally, once the glue has dried, fold the fan accordion-style and secure the ends with glue.

And there you have it! You've mastered the folding and creasing steps for making wedding fans.

Using glue or tape

Choosing the Right Adhesive:

• For gluing paper to wood, hot glue or glue guns are recommended for a strong bond.
• Double-sided tape, especially the Scotch Brand (3M) – Permanent Double-Sided Tape, is highly regarded for its strength and ease of use.
• Glue dots, glue tape, and permanent adhesive tape are also effective options.
• For paper-to-paper adhesion, glue sticks, school glue, or liquid glue can be used, but they may not be as sturdy.

Application Tips:

• If using liquid glue, fold and crease your paper before gluing. This prevents the glue from sticking or drying before you have properly aligned the pieces.
• When using glue, be generous with the amount applied, especially where the stick will be placed.
• Ensure your work surface is clean, and use clean tools or fingers to avoid leaving marks or grease on the paper.
• For double-sided tape, apply it to the inside of the fan and then adhere both sides of the folded paper together. Centre the stick and keep it straight.
• If using glue tape, apply it as close to the edge of the paper as possible.

Troubleshooting:

• Glue may leak through cardstock, causing stains.
• Some types of glue may not work well in high temperatures.
• Hot glue can dry too quickly, making it difficult to work with.

By following these instructions and choosing the right adhesive, you can effectively use glue or tape to create beautiful and functional wedding fans.

Adding the finishing touches

Now that you've designed, printed, and assembled your wedding fans, it's time to add the finishing touches! Here are some ideas to make your fans even more special:

Embellishments

Add some extra flair to your fans with embellishments such as ribbon, twine, flowers, or other decorative items. For a rustic look, consider using burlap ribbon. You can also incorporate items that match your wedding theme, such as seashells or starfish for a beach wedding.

Personalization

Make your fans even more personal by stamping your initials or wedding date on the sticks. You can also encourage guests to write their names on the sticks and use them as place cards.

Colour Scheme

Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding colours. You can use coloured sticks, ribbon, or other embellishments to tie everything together.

Assembly

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the assembly process, why not make it a fun group activity? Gather your friends or family members and create an assembly line while enjoying snacks and a movie.

Testing

Before you print all your fans, it's a good idea to test your design by printing a single copy. This will allow you to check for any errors and make sure the paper weight and foldability are just right.

Quantity

You don't need to make a fan for every guest. For an outdoor wedding, aim for about three-fourths of your guest list. For an indoor wedding, one program per couple is usually sufficient.

Customising the design

Choose Your Theme

Firstly, decide on a theme or style that complements your wedding. Are you going for a rustic, boho, or beach theme? Choose a design and colour scheme that ties in with your wedding's overall aesthetic.

Software and Layout

Use graphic design software such as Canva or Microsoft Word to design the layout of your fan. You can also use these programs to customise the content, including a schedule of the day, wedding party details, and any other important information for your guests.

Paper Type and Weight

When it comes to printing, opt for cardstock paper, which is thicker and more durable than regular paper. For double-sided printing, use paper weighing between 65-80lb. For single-sided printing, order from a professional printer and request paper weighing at least 110lb.

Embellishments

Add some extra flair to your fans with embellishments such as ribbon, twine, flowers, or seashells. For a rustic look, consider using burlap. You can also use corner punches to round the corners of your fans, giving them a softer appearance.

Keep it Simple

While it's fun to get creative, remember that the primary function of your fans is to keep your guests cool. So, don't overload them with too many embellishments or text. Keep the design simple and elegant, ensuring the fans are easy to use and handle.

Test Print

Before printing all your fans, create a test print to ensure the colours and layout are correct. This is also a good opportunity to check the weight of the paper and how well it folds. You may need to work with your printer to select the most suitable paper weight and type.

By following these tips, you can create beautiful and functional wedding fans that your guests will love and appreciate!

Frequently asked questions