Crafting Wedding Paper Fans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a wedding? Paper fans are a fun and unique way to present your wedding ceremony details and keep your guests cool during warm spring and summer weddings. They're pretty and functional, and you can easily make them yourself. All you need is some paper, glue or tape, and a few simple tools. You can even add your own creative touches to make them extra special. So, let's get started on making these elegant and classic wedding fans!

Choosing the right paper

When making wedding paper fans, choosing the right paper is essential to ensure your fans are sturdy and durable. Here are some tips to help you select the best paper for your project:

Type of Paper

The type of paper you choose will impact the overall look and durability of your fans. Cardstock is a popular choice as it is thick and sturdy, making it easy to fold and glue without tearing. It also comes in a variety of colours and textures, allowing you to match your wedding theme. Alternatively, you can use Kraft paper for a more rustic look.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper is another important consideration. For two-sided fans, especially if you are printing on a home inkjet printer, choose paper between 65lb and 80lb. This weight provides a good balance between sturdiness and foldability. For one-sided fans, it is recommended to use a professional printer and opt for paper that is at least 110lb for a more durable finish.

Paper Size

The size of the paper will depend on the size of your fan and the number of folds you intend to make. For a medium-sized fan, you will need two sheets of paper, while for a larger fan, you will need three sheets. Standard paper sizes, such as 8.5" x 11", can be folded in half without any cuts, making them a convenient choice.

Printing Considerations

If you plan to print directly onto the paper, ensure that your printer can accommodate the weight and texture of the paper you have chosen. Test prints are recommended to ensure the ink dries well and does not smudge or bleed. Alternatively, you can use a pre-printed program and attach it to the fan base.

Folding the paper

Firstly, begin with one sheet of paper and fold it accordion-style. You can be creative and choose decorative cardstock paper in colours that match your wedding theme. Alternating between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch folds, create crisp folds to form the pleats of the accordion. For a medium-sized fan, repeat this process with a second sheet of paper. If you're feeling ambitious and want to create a bigger fan, do this with three sheets of paper instead.

Once you've achieved an accordion-style fold, it's now time to pinch the centre of the paper with your thumb and index finger. Gently push the two sides of the paper together, finding the centre of the sheet. This will help you fold the paper in half, creating a neat crease down the middle.

Now, you should have a long, narrow strip of paper with pleats. It's now time to tape or glue the inner ends together. This will create a half-sized fan. Remember to only use tape on one side to ensure a clean look for your finished fan. Repeat this process with the other pieces of paper, creating multiple half-fans.

Finally, it's time to tape or glue the half-fans together. Carefully align the halves and secure them along the edges. Again, remember to only use tape on one side, so there are no unsightly pieces of tape showing on the front of your fan.

By following these steps, you will have successfully folded the paper for your wedding fans, creating a beautiful and functional decoration for your special day.

Using glue or tape

Step 1: Print and Fold

If you have a one-page design, it is 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 is lined up. You can use a bone folder to help you get a nice, neat crease, especially when working with thicker paper.

Step 2: Apply Glue or Tape

Lay your paper on a flat surface and apply a generous amount of glue to one side where the stick will go. Place the stick on the paper and press firmly, making sure it is straight. You can use a glue pen or glue tape for a neater application and to avoid leaks.

Step 3: Secure the Fan

Apply glue or tape around the edges of the paper and fold immediately. Be generous with the glue or tape where the stick will be placed to ensure a sturdy hold.

Step 4: Finish and Embellish

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. Finally, add your finishing touches. You can use corner punches, apply ribbon or twine, or come up with your own embellishments to personalise your fans.

Adding the handle

Step 1: Prepare the Fan Handle

Firstly, you will need to choose a suitable fan handle. Wavy jumbo fan sticks or paddle sticks are popular options and can be purchased from most craft stores. For a rustic look, you could also consider using a wooden fan handle.

Step 2: Attach the Handle

Now it's time to attach the handle to the fan. This can be done using glue or double-sided tape. If using glue, apply a generous amount to one side of the fan where the stick will go. Be sure to press and hold the stick firmly in place, ensuring it is straight.

Step 3: Secure the Handle

For added stability, apply glue or double-sided tape around the edges of the fan, especially where the stick has been placed. Then, fold the fan immediately and press each edge firmly to ensure all edges are sealed. It is important to use clean fingers or a clean bone folder to avoid leaving marks on the fan design.

Step 4: Embellish the Handle (Optional)

You can further embellish the handle by adding ribbon, twine, or other decorative elements. For a rustic look, consider using burlap ribbon. Alternatively, you can use sheer organza ribbon in colours that complement your wedding theme.

Step 5: Final Checks

Before declaring your wedding paper fans complete, double-check that the handles are securely attached and that there are no smudges or marks on the fan design. Your fans are now ready to be used or displayed at your wedding!

Finishing touches

Now for the fun part: the finishing touches!

You can decorate your fans by adding alternating cardstock-coloured circles to the centre of the fans. This hides any imperfections and creates a pretty, flowery look. You can also punch holes in the paper and loop twine or string through for hanging decorations.

If you want to add a ribbon to the handle, cut a piece of ribbon (we recommend around 12" to 18" depending on the look you want) and tie it around the paddle stick where it meets the paper. You can finish with a neat bow or notch out the ends of the ribbon to give it a nice finished look.

You can also use corner punches, apply twine or ribbon, or come up with your own embellishments to personalise your fans.

Frequently asked questions