Create Your Own Paper Wedding Fans: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding fans are a fun and unique way to present your wedding ceremony details. They are pretty and functional, keeping your guests cool during warm spring and summer weddings. Making your own paper wedding fans is simple and can be personalised to fit the style of your event. All you need is paper, glue, and a few other materials, and you can create beautiful fans that will impress your guests.

Choosing the right paper

Weight

The weight of the paper is measured in pounds, and it is essential to choose the right weight to ensure your fans are sturdy and easy to work with. For two-sided fans, it is recommended to use 65lb-80lb paper, especially if you are printing on a home inkjet printer. This weight provides a good balance between thickness and foldability. If you are only making one-sided fans, it is best to use a professional printer and opt for 110lb paper or more for added durability.

Type

The type of paper you choose will depend on the desired look and feel of your wedding fans. Here are some options to consider:

• Cardstock: This type of paper is thick and sturdy, making it a good choice for wedding fans. It can be found in various weights, so be sure to select one that is compatible with your printer. Cardstock is available in various colours and textures, allowing you to match your wedding theme.
• Kraft Paper: Kraft paper has a rustic look and feel to it. It is a type of cardstock that is often used for a more natural or rustic-themed wedding.
• Linen: Linen paper has a textured finish that resembles linen fabric. It adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding fans.
• Recycled Paper: If you are environmentally conscious, you can opt for recycled paper. It is available in various colours and weights, so you can find one that suits your needs.

Colour

When choosing the colour of your paper, consider your wedding theme and colour palette. You can match the paper to your wedding colours or choose complementary shades. Some popular options include gold, white, and pastel colours like rose quartz. Using decorative cardstock paper in alternating colours can add a pretty flowery look to your fans.

Printing the design

Choose the Right Paper

Select a paper type that is compatible with your printer to ensure smooth printing. For two-sided printing, use 65lb-80lb paper, especially if you are using a home inkjet printer. For one-sided printing, it is recommended to use a professional printer with paper weighing at least 110lb.

Download and Customise the Template

Download a template that suits your wedding theme and customise it to your liking. You can edit the colours, fonts, and wording to match your wedding style. Use Microsoft Word or similar software to make the desired changes.

Print the Design

Once you are satisfied with the design, it is time to print. Set the custom size in your print driver to match the size of your paper. For example, if using 8.5" x 11" paper, set the custom size accordingly.

If you are printing a one-page design, consider folding the paper in half before printing to avoid the hassle of aligning the glue later. However, if you prefer a completely flat print, you can print first and then fold.

If you are making a large number of fans, consider printing at a local print/copy shop to achieve a more professional finish.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a paper that is thick and sturdy, such as card stock, to ensure the fans are durable.
• If you want to add a rustic touch, consider using Kraft paper.
• Print with crop marks for easier trimming and a more precise finish.
• If you are printing on both sides, ensure the design is aligned correctly on both sides before printing.
• If using a home printer, allow the ink to dry completely before handling the paper to avoid smudging.

By following these steps, you will be able to print elegant and precise designs for your paper wedding fans.

Folding the paper

Firstly, start with one sheet of paper and fold it accordion-style. You can be creative and experiment with different fold sizes, such as alternating between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch folds. Repeat this process with additional sheets of paper to create larger fans. For a medium-sized fan, use two sheets, and for a bigger fan, use three. This technique will create a stunning, layered effect for your fans.

Once you have your paper folded accordion-style, it's time to pinch the centre. Use your thumb and index finger to find the middle of the paper, and then push the two sides together to fold the paper in half. This step will create a neat centre point for your fan.

Now, you will have an accordion-folded piece of paper folded in half. It's now time to secure the inner ends together to create a half-sized fan. You can use tape or glue for this step, but be mindful of which side you are securing the pieces to, as you want to achieve a clean look without any visible tape.

If you are using tape, ensure that all taped pieces are on the same side. For glue, be generous with the amount you apply to ensure a strong hold. This step will be repeated to create the full fan, so take your time and be precise.

Finally, attach the two half-fan pieces together. Remember to only secure them on one side, maintaining a clean and elegant appearance. Your paper wedding fan is now ready for the final decorative touches!

Adding the stick

Step 1: Prepare the Paper

Before adding the stick, ensure your paper is ready. If you have a one-page design, fold and crease your paper. This ensures that you don't have to worry about the glue sticking or drying before it's lined up. For thicker paper, consider using a bone folder to get a nice, neat crease.

Step 2: Apply Glue

Lay your paper on a flat surface. Apply a generous amount of glue to one side of the paper where the stick will go. Be sure to use a suitable adhesive, such as a glue pen or glue tape, to avoid leaks and stains.

Step 3: Attach the Stick

Place the stick onto the glued area and press firmly, making sure it is straight and centred. For a sturdier fan, apply glue or glue tape to both sides of the paper where the stick will be placed.

Step 4: Secure the Fan

Apply glue or glue tape around the edges of the paper and fold immediately. This will secure the stick in place and ensure your fan holds together. Press each edge firmly to assure that all edges are sealed.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Check that your fan is fully dry before adding any final touches. You can decorate your fan with ribbon, twine, or other embellishments. Be creative and personalise your fans to match your wedding style!

Embellishments

Ribbon or Twine

Add a length of ribbon or twine to the base of the fan handle. You can tie it in a simple bow or notch the ends to give it a neat finish. Sheer organza, burlap, or any other type of ribbon can be used to complement the wedding colours.

Corner Punches

Use a corner paper punch to round off the corners of the fan. You can opt for a simple rounded corner or choose a fancier corner punch design.

Stamps

Stamping the fan sticks is an easy way to personalise your fans. You can also use stamps to decorate the fan itself.

Hole Punch and Twine

Punch small holes in the paper and loop twine or string through to create hanging decorations.

Cardstock Coloured Circles

Add alternating cardstock coloured circles to the centre of the fans to hide any imperfections and create a pretty, flowery look.

Glitter

Sprinkle some glitter on the glue before it dries for a sparkly finish.

Frequently asked questions