Creating Wedding Favor Fans: A Step-By-Step Guide For Couples

Wedding favor fans are a fun and functional gift for your guests, especially for outdoor ceremonies. They can be a beautiful and practical keepsake, with various styles such as palm hand, sandalwood, silk, Asian, mini buri, or paper to fit any wedding theme or color scheme. Personalization has become a popular choice, with couples incorporating initials, names, dates, or even using the fans as programs for the ceremony. Laser engraving is also an option for customising the fan handle.

Hand fans are a delightful and thoughtful choice that adds elegance and comfort to your special day. They provide relief from the heat and can be customised to match your wedding style and colour scheme. Fans are also versatile, photogenic, and eco-friendly, as guests can use them beyond the wedding day, reducing waste.

Choosing a material for your fans: silk, paper, sandalwood, bamboo, or wood

When choosing a material for your wedding favour fans, there are several options to consider: silk, paper, sandalwood, bamboo, or wood. Each material has its own unique advantages and can add a special touch to your wedding. Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting the right material for your fans:

Silk:

Silk fans offer a luxurious and elegant option for wedding favours. They are often lightweight and soft to the touch, making them comfortable for your guests to use. Silk fans can be found in various colours and designs, allowing you to choose a style that complements your wedding theme. They are also known for their durability, ensuring that your guests can keep them as mementos long after the wedding.

Paper:

Paper fans are a cost-effective and versatile option. They can be easily customized with colours, designs, or even personalized messages for your guests. Paper fans are lightweight and foldable, making them convenient to carry and store. If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, recycled paper fans are also available.

Sandalwood:

Sandalwood fans provide a natural and aromatic option for wedding favours. The distinctive scent of sandalwood can create a calming and relaxing atmosphere for your guests. These fans often feature intricate carvings or laser engravings, making them unique and memorable keepsakes. Sandalwood is also known for its durability, ensuring that the fans will last for years to come.

Bamboo:

Bamboo fans offer a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for your wedding favours. Bamboo is a strong and durable material, ensuring that the fans can withstand regular use. Bamboo fans often have a natural and rustic appearance, making them ideal for outdoor or nature-themed weddings. They can also be personalized with engravings or decorations to match your wedding theme.

Wood:

Wooden fans provide a classic and elegant option for wedding favours. They are known for their durability and can be engraved or carved with intricate designs. Wooden fans come in various types of wood, allowing you to choose a colour and grain pattern that aligns with your wedding aesthetic. They can be personalized with paint, stains, or other decorative elements to create a sophisticated memento for your guests.

When selecting the material for your wedding favour fans, consider factors such as cost, durability, customizability, and how well the material aligns with your wedding theme and colour scheme. Remember, the fans are not just functional but also a special keepsake for your guests to remember your big day.

Customisation options: initials, names, dates, colours, and shapes

Wedding favour fans are a great way to showcase your creativity and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some customisation options to consider:

Initials and Names

Add your initials or names to the fans for a unique touch. This can be a subtle way to incorporate your identity into the design without being too overwhelming. You can choose to display your shared initials or names, or even combine both for a more intricate design.

Dates

Including the wedding date on the fans is a popular choice. It serves as a reminder of when your love was celebrated and can be a meaningful keepsake for your guests. You can choose to display the date in a variety of formats, such as numeric or written out.

Colours

Colour plays a significant role in wedding themes, and fans are a great way to reinforce this. You can choose colours that match your wedding palette or opt for something more subtle that complements the overall aesthetic. Consider the fan's handle, ribs, and fabric when deciding on colours.

Shapes

The shape of the fan can also be customised to fit your vision. Traditional shapes include round and paddle, but you can explore other options like heart-shaped or scalloped edges for a more unique look. Don't be afraid to mix and match shapes to add interest and variety to your wedding favours.

Additional Customisation Ideas

• Laser engraving: This technique can be used to customise the fan handle or other wooden parts of the fan. It creates a precise and elegant finish.
• Photographs: Why not add a favourite photo of you as a couple? It's a great way to make your guests feel involved in your journey.
• Ribbons and accents: Tiny details like lace, ribbons, and bows can elevate the design. Consider adding these accents to the fans or their packaging.
• Messages: Include a personal message or a quote that holds a special meaning to you. It could be a fun saying, a line from a poem or song, or even a playful message like Victorian flirtation instructions.

Presentation ideas: lace-covered boxes, tiny ribbon accents, or a basket

When it comes to presenting your wedding favour fans, tiny details can make a big difference. Here are some presentation ideas to make your wedding favours noticeable and memorable:

Lace-covered boxes

Lace-covered boxes are a beautiful way to present your wedding favour fans. The lace adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, while the box ensures the fans are well-protected and easy to transport. You could also include a small card inside the box with a personal message from the bride and groom, expressing gratitude and welcoming your guests.

Tiny ribbon accents

Ribbon accents are a simple yet effective way to add a touch of colour and texture to your wedding favour fan presentation. You could tie a small ribbon around each fan, or use ribbon to secure a bundle of fans together. For an extra special touch, consider using personalised ribbon with your names or wedding date printed on it.

Baskets

Baskets are a great way to display your wedding favour fans, especially if you're having an outdoor wedding. Fill a basket with fans and place it near the entrance, so guests can help themselves as they arrive. You could also include a sign with a cute saying, such as "Fan-tastic to see you!" or "Thanks for being our biggest fan!"

If you want to get creative, you could decorate the basket with flowers, ribbon, or other embellishments that tie in with your wedding theme. For a more natural look, consider using a wicker or bamboo basket.

Other presentation ideas

• In a jar: Fill a Mason jar with fans and add a thank-you card for a touch of Southern hospitality.
• Hanging fans: Hang fans up as decorations, and guests can simply grab one as they walk into the ceremony.
• Tags: Attach a tag to each fan with a personal message or a simple "thank you."
• Metal stand: Use a metal plant stand as a unique favour station, especially if you're going for a rustic or garden theme.
• Suitcase: Display fans in an open vintage suitcase for a stylish and portable option.

Where to buy: Etsy, Amazon, or Forever Wedding Favors

If you're looking to buy wedding favour fans, there are plenty of options available on Amazon, Etsy, and Forever Wedding Favors.

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of wedding favour fans, with prices starting as low as $1.09 for 100 pieces of wedding hand fans. You can find simple paper or bamboo folding fans, as well as more elaborate designs with organza bags, tassels, and thank-you cards. Many of the options on Amazon come in packs of 50 or 100, with prices ranging from $30 to $90.

Etsy

Etsy also has a variety of wedding favour fans available, with prices starting at $1.30 per fan. You can find simple paper or bamboo fans, as well as more unique options such as silk fans, feather fans, and fans with personalised stickers. Many of the fans on Etsy can be personalised with the couple's names or other custom details, and some shops offer discounts on bulk orders.

Forever Wedding Favors

Forever Wedding Favors offers a range of wedding hand fans, including the "A Treat For The Heat Hand Fan" for $1.89, the "Forever Love Engraved Bamboo Hand Fan" for $1.89, and the "Blooming Boho Fan" for $1.89. They also have a "Design Your Own Floral Hand Fan" option for $1.89, allowing you to personalise the fans to match your wedding theme.

So, whether you're looking for simple and affordable fans or more elaborate and personalised designs, you can find a variety of options on Amazon, Etsy, and Forever Wedding Favors to suit your needs and budget.

Benefits: photogenic, eco-friendly, versatile, and functional

Wedding favor fans are a fantastic idea for your big day, offering a range of benefits beyond simply keeping your guests cool.

Photogenic:

Hand fans can elevate your wedding photos to the next level. They can be used as playful props for candid shots, adding a touch of spontaneity and fun to your photo collection. For more formal pictures, they can serve as coordinated accessories, providing an element of visual interest and a stylish touch.

Eco-friendly:

Reusable hand fans are an excellent way to showcase your commitment to sustainability. By opting for fans that can be used repeatedly, you reduce waste and create a positive impact. This choice aligns with the values of eco-conscious couples and guests alike.

Versatile:

Hand fans are incredibly versatile, offering both functionality and decorative appeal. They can be personalized to match your wedding style, incorporating elements such as your names, wedding date, or a special message. The design possibilities are endless, allowing you to choose colors and motifs that complement your theme and color scheme.

Functional:

Hand fans are not just aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. They provide a much-needed respite from the heat during warm days, ensuring your guests remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the event. Whether your wedding is indoors or outdoors, hand fans can make a significant difference in your guests' enjoyment, allowing them to fully engage in the celebrations.

Additionally, the versatility of hand fans extends beyond the wedding day itself. Guests can reuse these favors for other events or outdoor gatherings, and they can even become decorative pieces in their homes. This extended usefulness ensures that your gesture of appreciation continues to be valued long after your special day.

Frequently asked questions