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

Wedding hand fans are a fun and unique way to present your wedding ceremony details. They are pretty and functional, keeping guests cool during warm spring and summer weddings. Making your own wedding hand fans is simple and can be personalized to fit the style of your event.

To make your own wedding hand fans, you will need the following supplies: wavy jumbo fan sticks, glue, ribbon or twine, a corner rounder punch, pre-printed programs, and a bone folder. You can print your own programs on 65lb-80lb paper for two-sided fans, especially if you are using a home inkjet printer. If you are only doing a one-sided fan, use a professional printer and ask for 110lb paper.

Once you have gathered your supplies and printed your programs, follow these steps:

1. Fold and crease your paper before adding the glue to avoid any sticking or drying issues.

2. Lay your program on a flat surface, apply glue to one side where the stick goes, and place the stick on the fan. Press firmly and ensure it is straight.

3. Apply glue around the edges and fold immediately, being generous with the glue where the stick will be placed.

4. Press each edge firmly to ensure all edges are sealed. Use clean fingers or a clean bone folder to avoid leaving marks on your design.

5. Add the finishing touches to your fan with corner punches, ribbon, twine, or other embellishments.

Choosing the right paper

When making wedding hand fans, it is important to choose the right paper. The type of paper you select will depend on the style of fan you want to make. For a simple, folded paper fan, a lightweight paper such as wrapping or scrapbook paper is best. For a sturdier fan, use a heavier paper such as cardstock, file folder, or index card stock. If you want to make a fan with a more complex design, such as a circle or flower shape, you will need to use chipboard, which is even thicker than cardstock.

The weight of the paper you choose will also depend on whether you are printing on one or both sides of the paper and the type of printer you are using. For two-sided fans, especially if you are using a home inkjet printer, it is recommended to use paper that is between 65 and 80 lb. For one-sided fans, it is best to use a professional printer and request paper that is at least 110 lb.

In addition to weight, you may also want to consider the colour and finish of the paper. White cardstock is a popular choice for wedding hand fans, but you can also choose coloured paper or print graphics and messages on the paper before assembling the fans. If you want your fans to have a shiny finish, you can use semi-shiny paper, but keep in mind that this type of paper may not work well with all printers.

Folding the paper

To make a wedding hand fan, you will need paper, preferably card stock, and a fan handle. You can use a bone folder to get a nice crease when folding thicker paper.

To begin, fold the paper in half. If you are using a bone folder, simply line up the corners and use the tool to smooth out the crease. Repeat this process for all the papers.

Next, apply glue to one side of the paper where the stick will go. Place the stick on the glued area and press firmly to ensure it is straight.

After that, apply glue around the edges of the paper and fold it immediately. Make sure to be generous with the glue where the stick is placed.

Finally, press each edge firmly to ensure that all edges are sealed. Use clean fingers or a clean bone folder to avoid leaving marks on the paper.

Rounding the corners

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

First, you'll need to get your hands on a corner paper punch. You can find these at your local craft store or online. There are many options available, from standard round corner punches to more decorative options, depending on your desired look.

Step 2: Fold Your Paper

Before reaching for your corner punch, make sure your paper is already folded. This will ensure that you're rounding the corners of both sides of the paper at the same time, creating a uniform look.

Step 3: Punch Those Corners

Now for the fun part! Line up your corner punch with the corners of your folded paper and give it a good squeeze. If you're using a standard corner punch, you may need to do one corner at a time. However, if you're using a craft punch that can handle thicker paper, you might be able to punch through both sides at once.

Step 4: Check Your Work

Once you've punched all the corners, carefully unfold your paper and check that the corners align and have a smooth, rounded edge. If you notice any imperfections, you can try re-punching, but be careful not to over-punch, as this could tear your paper.

Step 5: Repeat

Continue this process for all your wedding hand fans, and soon you'll have a beautiful set of rounded corner fans ready to be assembled and decorated!

Attaching the handle

Step 1: Prepare the Handle and Fan Base

Before attaching the handle, gather your materials and prepare the fan base. If you are using paper, consider using sturdy cardstock and folding it in half. You can also round the corners with a corner punch for a softer look. For a more durable option, chipboard, which is thicker than cardstock, can be used and covered with fabric or decorative paper.

Step 2: Choose an Adhesive

The choice of adhesive is important to ensure the handle is securely attached. Double-sided tape is a popular option, as it creates a strong bond and is less likely to leak through the paper or cardstock. Glue can also be used, but be cautious as it may leave stains on your fan. Spray adhesive is another option, especially if you are using fabric to cover your fan.

Step 3: Attach the Handle

When you are ready to attach the handle, first, determine the placement. You can use a small piece of double-sided tape to temporarily hold the handle in place while you adjust it to your liking. Once you are happy with the placement, use your chosen adhesive method to securely attach the handle to the inside of the fan.

Step 4: Secure the Fan Base

If your fan base is made of paper or cardstock, you will need to adhere the two sides together. Again, double-sided tape is a good option, or you can use glue. Be sure to press firmly along the edges to create a strong bond.

Step 5: Embellish the Handle (Optional)

To finish your hand fan, consider embellishing the handle with ribbon, twine, or other decorative elements. This adds a personalised touch and can complement the colours or theme of your event.

By following these steps, you can effectively attach the handle to your hand fan, creating a functional and decorative piece for your wedding or other special event.

Adding finishing touches

Now that your wedding hand fan is almost ready, it's time to add the finishing touches! Here are some ideas to make your fan even more special:

Embellishments

Add some extra flair to your fan with embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or bows. You can attach these to the handle of the fan or get creative and incorporate them into your design. For example, you could try using a small hole punch to create half-circles and then attach twine to your fan for a unique look.

Corner Punches

Give your fan a polished look by rounding the corners with a corner punch. You can find these at your local craft store, and they're a great way to add a soft, elegant touch to your design. Go for a classic look with round corners, or get creative with different shapes like a scalloped or decorative edge.

Personalization

Make your fan extra special by personalizing it with your wedding colours, themes, or even your names or initials. You can also add a personal message or graphic to the fan to make it even more memorable. If you're feeling creative, try stamping your initials or a design onto the fan sticks.

Assembly Party

If you're making a large number of fans, why not make it a fun group activity? Gather your friends or family and create an assembly line while enjoying a movie or some music. It's a great way to get everyone involved and makes the process more enjoyable.

Final Checks

Before you finish, take a moment to review your work. Check that all the glue is dry and that there are no smudges or marks on your beautiful design. Make sure the fan handle is securely attached and that all the edges are sealed.

Your wedding hand fans are now ready to go! These finishing touches will make your fans functional, memorable, and a perfect addition to your special day.

Frequently asked questions