Creating Wedding Program Fans: Front And Back Designs

Wedding program fans are a great way to keep your guests cool and informed during your wedding ceremony, especially if your wedding is taking place in a warm climate or a poorly ventilated indoor space. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create elegant and functional wedding program fans that will impress your guests. From designing the layout to assembling the fans, we'll cover everything you need to know to make your wedding day extra special. So, grab your craft supplies and let's get started!

Choosing the right paper

Type of Printer

The type of printer you have will influence the paper you choose. Home printers may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle, so it's essential to review your printer's instructions and perform a test print. Start with 80# cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming.

Paper Weight and Thickness

Cardstock weight is measured in pounds, with higher numbers indicating thicker paper. For a more luxurious and heftier invitation, consider using 110 lb cardstock, which is considered "heavyweight" and commonly used by wedding invitation companies. If printing at home, aim for paper between 80# and 130# to ensure compatibility with your printer.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper can enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding program fans. Uncoated cotton paper generally absorbs ink well, while a smooth, coated paper can give a more elegant look but may not work with all printers. Linen cardstock, with its delicate woven texture, can add visual interest and hide printing imperfections. For a rustic look, consider brown Kraft paper, which resembles coarse brown grocery bags.

Paper Colour

Solid white cardstock is a versatile option that comes in various weights and colours, making it perfect for printing at home. If you're looking for something more unique, coloured cardstock in various weights and colours can add a fun and cohesive look to your wedding stationery.

Environmental Considerations

If sustainability is important to you, look for recycled cardstock options like Kraft paper, which has a rustic and trendy appearance. Using paper produced from tree pulp or cotton can also be a more environmentally friendly choice.

Trial and Error

Finding the right paper for your wedding program fans may involve some trial and error. Experiment with different papers, prints, and textures to see what works best for your desired design and printing method. Remember to get paper samples before making a final decision to ensure compatibility with your printer and desired aesthetic.

Printing the design

Now that you have your design ready, it's time to print your wedding program fans. If you're making a large number of fans, consider having them printed at a local print shop or copy shop. Otherwise, you can print them yourself at home. Make sure you have a good quality printer that can handle the paper weight you've chosen.

When it comes to paper, it's important to select the right type and weight for your fans. For two-sided fans, especially if you're printing on a home inkjet printer, we recommend using 65lb to 80lb paper. If you're only doing one-sided fans, it's best to order them from a professional printer and ask for at least 110lb paper. This will ensure your fans are sturdy and durable.

Before printing, customise the program fan templates to your liking. You can change colours, fonts, and wording to match your wedding theme and include all the details you want to share with your guests. Remember to set the correct custom size in your print driver to match the size of your fan design.

Once you're happy with the design and settings, go ahead and print out all the fans. Make sure you have enough ink or toner to complete the job, and check that the paper weight and finish are compatible with your printer to avoid any issues.

Folding the card

Firstly, print out your wedding program design on card stock. You can create the design yourself using software like Microsoft Word, or you can use a template available online. Choose a thick paper, such as 65lb-80lb paper for double-sided printing, or 110lb paper for single-sided printing.

Once you have your printed design, use a paper scoring board to mark and score a centre line down the card. This will help you create a neat, straight fold. Fold the card in half along the scored line.

If you want to round the corners of your fans, use a corner paper punch at this stage. There are various options available, from a simple rounded corner to more decorative designs.

Now you are ready to attach the fan handle. Place a generous amount of strong glue, such as Zig 2-Way Glue, or use double-sided tape on one side of the folded card, where the stick will go. Firmly press the stick into place, ensuring it is straight.

Finally, apply glue or double-sided tape around the edges of the card and fold immediately to seal. Be careful to use clean materials, as grease or glue marks can stain your design.

Attaching the handle

Before attaching the handle, it is essential to prepare your fan base. If you have a one-page design, fold and crease your paper in half. This step ensures that your fan has a neat appearance and allows for easier glue application. If you are working with thicker paper, consider using a bone folder to create a precise crease. Line up the corners and use the bone folder to smooth out the crease.

Now, it's time to attach the handle! Place your fan base on a flat surface. Apply a generous amount of glue to one side of the fan where the stick will go. You can use a glue pen or a glue gun for this step. Place the stick on the glued area and press firmly to ensure it is attached securely and straight. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it may leak through the cardstock and cause stains. Double-sided tape is another option for adhering the handle, as it reduces the risk of staining.

Once the handle is attached, apply glue or double-sided tape around the edges of the fan base and fold it immediately. This will create the fan shape. Make sure to press each edge firmly to ensure all sides are sealed shut. Use clean fingers or a clean bone folder to avoid leaving marks or grease stains on the paper.

If you want to add some extra security to your fan, consider using glue dots or glue tape. Cover about half of the stick with the adhesive and attach it to the unprinted side of one card. This will provide additional strength to your fan.

Finally, you can add some decorative elements to the handle. A pretty ribbon, twine, or even a small hole punch with twine can give your fan a personalised touch. Be creative and choose embellishments that match your wedding theme or colour palette.

By following these steps, you will have a sturdy and elegant wedding program fan, ready to be distributed to your guests!

Adding the finishing touches

Embellishments

Add some ribbon or twine to the handle of your fan for a decorative touch. Sheer organza ribbon in gold or silver is a great choice to complement any wedding colour scheme. You could also try stamping your fan sticks with a design, initials, or even have people write their names on them to use as place cards. Be creative and use small hole punches and twine to add extra flair to your fans!

Corners

Use a corner paper punch to round the corners of your fans. This will give them a soft, elegant finish. If you're feeling fancy, you can choose from a variety of corner paper punches to create more intricate designs.

Assembly

Consider having a fan assembly party with your bridal party! It will be fun to chat and work together to assemble your fans. Give each person a specific task and create an assembly line to make the process more efficient.

Paper Weight

If you're printing double-sided fans, use 65lb-80lb paper, especially if you're using a home inkjet printer. For single-sided fans, order from a professional printer and ask for 110lb paper or more. This will ensure your fans are sturdy and compatible with your printer.

Glue

Use Zip Dry Paper Glue or double-sided tape dots to assemble your fans. Avoid using regular glue as it may leak through the cardstock and leave stains. The Zig 2-Way Glue Pen is a great option for attaching the sticks to the cardstock, and it will definitely hold over time.

With these finishing touches, your wedding program fans will be both functional and stylish!

Frequently asked questions