Creating Wedding Fan Favors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding fans are a fun and functional gift for your guests, especially for outdoor ceremonies. There are various styles, such as palm hand, sandalwood, silk, Asian, mini buri, or paper, that can fit any wedding theme. You can also personalise the fans with initials, names, dates, or even use them as programs for the ceremony. Laser engraving is also available for customising the fan handles.

You can find wedding fans on Amazon and Etsy, with prices ranging from $1.30 to $266.44.

Choosing a material: silk, paper, sandalwood, bamboo, etc

When it comes to choosing a material for your wedding fan favors, there are several options to consider, each with its own unique qualities and aesthetics. Here are some popular materials to choose from:

Silk

Silk fans offer a luxurious and elegant option for your wedding favors. They are often chosen for their soft, smooth texture and sophisticated appearance. Silk fans can be found in various colors and designs, making them a versatile choice for matching your wedding theme. They are also known for their lightweight and breathable properties, making them comfortable to use.

Paper

Paper is a classic and cost-effective choice for wedding fan favors. It is lightweight and can be easily customized with various colors, designs, and prints. Paper fans are ideal for adding a personal touch, such as initials, names, or dates. They are also disposable, making them a convenient option for one-time use.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood fans provide a natural and aromatic option for your wedding favors. They are known for their distinctive scent, which can create a pleasant and memorable experience for your guests. Sandalwood fans often feature intricate carvings and laser engravings, making them unique and elegant favors.

Bamboo

Bamboo fans offer a sustainable and natural choice for your wedding favors. They are strong, durable, and lightweight, making them ideal for outdoor weddings. Bamboo fans often have a simple and elegant design, showcasing the natural beauty of the material. They are also versatile and can be paired with various fabrics, such as silk or paper, for a more personalized look.

When selecting a material for your wedding fan favors, consider factors such as durability, aesthetics, and how well they align with your wedding theme and color scheme. Additionally, think about the comfort of your guests and the functionality of the fans in providing a cool breeze during warm days.

Adding personal touches: initials, names, dates, photos, etc

Adding personal touches to your wedding fan favors is a great way to make your special day memorable for your guests. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Initials and Names

You can add your joint initials or your full names to the fans, along with your wedding date. This can be done through laser engraving on the fan handle or by customising the fan fabric. You could also include a custom crest or monogram.

Dates

Including the date of your wedding is a popular choice. You could also add other significant dates, such as the date you first met or the date you got engaged.

Photos

Why not add your favourite photo as a couple to the fans? You could also use a photo of the happy couple as children or a series of photos showing your relationship milestones.

Other Personal Touches

You could also add other details such as:

• The theme of your wedding
• A personal message from the bride and groom
• A feel-good saying or quote
• Your custom crest or logo
• An illustration of your venue

Remember, it's the little details that will make your wedding fan favors unique and memorable for your guests.

Presentation ideas: in a basket, on the table, in a jar, etc

Wedding fan favors are a great way to keep your guests cool and can be a beautiful and functional keepsake of your special day. Here are some unique presentation ideas to make your favors stand out and be memorable:

In a Basket

Place the fans in a basket near the entrance or at the end of each row of seats. This is a great way to present the fans, especially if your wedding is outdoors, as guests can easily help themselves. You could also include a sign with a fun message such as "So You Don't Get Hot While We Tie the Knot".

On the Table

Incorporate the fans into your tablescape by placing them at each setting or as part of the centerpiece. This is a great way to ensure each guest receives a fan, and it adds a unique touch to your table decor. You could also add a tag with a personal message from the happy couple.

In a Jar

For a rustic or Southern-themed wedding, consider displaying the fans in Mason jars on a table near the entrance. You could also include a jar of sweet tea and a "thank you" card for a charming touch of hospitality. This presentation is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

In a Box

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can have someone distribute the fans as guests arrive, or you can place them in a beautifully decorated box on a table near the entrance. The box could be adorned with ribbons, lace, or flowers that coordinate with your wedding colors or theme.

In a Suitcase

For a vintage-themed wedding, display the fans in an open suitcase as guests arrive. This is a unique and creative way to present the favors and also allows you to upcycle an old item. You could use a single suitcase or several, depending on the number of fans you have.

Hanging Fans

Another creative idea is to hang the fans at the entrance or in a designated area, allowing guests to simply grab one as they walk by. This doubles as a decorative element and a functional favor, especially for outdoor weddings.

Using fans as programs: include a personal message, who's who, what to expect, etc

Wedding fan programs are a great way to keep your guests cool and informed during your ceremony, especially at an outdoor wedding or in a warm climate. They can also serve as unique keepsakes that your guests will cherish long after the event. Here are some tips and ideas for using fans as programs:

What to Include:

• A personal message from the couple is a thoughtful touch that will make your guests feel welcome. This can be as simple or creative as you like.
• Introduce the wedding party, including the bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, and any other special helpers or guests of honour.
• Provide a "who's who" section, letting guests know who's who during the ceremony, especially if you have a large wedding party or unique roles.
• Include a "what to expect" section, outlining the order of events or ceremony schedule so that guests can follow along.
• Add your names and the event date and location prominently on the front of the fan. This will help guests find their way if they arrive early and are unsure of the exact location.

Design and Presentation Ideas:

• Consider the overall design of your fan programs to match your wedding theme and colour palette. You can choose from a variety of materials such as paper, silk, sandalwood, or bamboo, and add embellishments like ribbons, tassels, or twine.
• For a rustic wedding, consider using woven fans with a minimalist white program attached. This combination will create a neutral, natural palette that complements the surrounding venue.
• If you have a beachfront ceremony, opt for a romantic heart-shaped fan with a beachscape design or tropical colours and motifs.
• Add a playful touch with Popsicle-stick handles or colourful ribbons that match your wedding colours.
• For a unique presentation, place the fans in a wicker basket accented with flowers, a metal plant stand, or a vintage suitcase that fits your theme.
• You can also display the fans on a table near the entrance, hang them as landmarks to direct guests, or include them in welcome bags for destination weddings.

Assembly and Customisation:

• Fan programs can be purchased pre-assembled or as DIY kits. If you're crafty, you can even create your own programs using printable templates, cardstock, and wooden sticks.
• For a more durable option, especially if you want the fans to last as favours, choose fans made of sturdier materials like wood or silk.
• Customise your fans with watercolour illustrations, hand-painted maps of the venue, or even your wedding monogram.
• If you want to include more detailed information or have a large guest list, consider a multi-panelled fan or an accordion-style fan that provides more space.
• You can also opt for laser engraving on the fan handles or choose fans with eyelets to add more panels for additional information.

Buying vs DIY: buying online, making your own, or a mix of both

Wedding fan favors are a fun and functional gift for your guests, especially for outdoor weddings. There are a variety of styles, such as palm hand, sandalwood, silk, Asian, mini buri, or paper, that can fit any wedding theme.

When it comes to buying vs DIY, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, DIY wedding favors allow you to add a personal touch and showcase your creativity. They can also be more budget-friendly, especially if you're crafty and able to source materials at a low cost. However, they do require time and effort, so it's important to start early and enlist help if needed. On the other hand, buying wedding fan favors online can be more convenient, saving you time and effort, especially if you have a busy schedule. It may also be a better option if you're not confident in your crafting skills.

Buying Wedding Fan Favors Online:

• Convenience: Buying ready-made fan favors saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on other wedding preparations.
• Variety of Options: Online stores like Etsy offer a wide range of fan favors, from personalized wooden or bamboo fans to silk fans with custom engravings or prints. You can find unique designs that fit your wedding theme and color scheme.
• Quality and Presentation: Buying online gives you access to professionally crafted fan favors with elegant packaging and presentation. This can be especially useful if you want to make a memorable impression on your guests.

DIY Wedding Fan Favors:

• Personal Touch: DIY fan favors allow you to showcase your creativity and add unique details that reflect your style. You can choose the materials, colors, and decorations to match your wedding theme perfectly.
• Budget-Friendly: Making your own fan favors can be more cost-effective, especially if you're crafty. You can source materials in bulk and create beautiful favors at a fraction of the retail cost.
• Flexibility: With DIY, you have the freedom to experiment with different designs, textures, and adornments. For example, you can create an Asian-themed fan with natural materials like rice paper, handmade paper, or sinamay fabric mounted on cardboard.

A Mix of Both:

Combining buying and DIY elements can be a great way to balance convenience and personalization. Here's how:

• Buy Plain Fans and Personalize Them: You can purchase plain fans in bulk and then add your own creative touches. For example, you could decorate the fans with faux bamboo leaves, orchids, or origami cranes.
• DIY Kits: If you want a guided DIY experience, you can opt for fan favor kits that provide the materials and instructions. This ensures a stress-free DIY process while still allowing for personalization.
• Mix and Match: You can also buy a variety of different fan styles and designs to cater to different tastes and add interest. For example, you could offer a mix of sandalwood fans, silk fans, and paper fans, each with a unique design or message.

Whether you decide to buy, DIY, or mix and match, the key is to choose an option that aligns with your time, budget, and creative preferences. By considering the advantages of each approach, you can create memorable wedding fan favors that your guests will love and appreciate.

Frequently asked questions