Create Your Wedding Hand Fan: Easy Diy 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.

- Fan sticks (wooden or jumbo wavy)

- Glue (permanent glue pen or spray)

- Ribbon or twine

- Corner rounder punch (optional)

- Cardstock or paper (white or coloured)

- Scissors

- Bone folder (optional)

Steps to make your own wedding hand fans:

1. Print your wedding program on cardstock or paper.

2. Fold the printed cardstock or paper in half.

3. Use a paper punch to round the corners of the folded cardstock or paper.

4. Adhere the fan stick to the inside of the folded cardstock or paper using glue or double-sided tape.

5. Finish the wedding hand fans with a pretty ribbon or twine.

Choosing the right paper

When making your own wedding hand fan, choosing the right paper is crucial. The paper you choose should be sturdy enough to hold its shape and withstand some wear and tear. It should also be the right weight and thickness to ensure the fan is functional and comfortable to hold.

For a one-sided fan, opt for a professional printer and request 110lb paper. This weight will ensure your fan is durable. If you're creating a two-sided fan, 65lb-80lb paper is a better option, especially if you're printing on a home inkjet printer.

Cardstock is a good choice if you want to print your design at home, as it is thick and can withstand the weight of decorations like ribbons and bows. It also comes in a variety of colours, allowing you to match your wedding theme. If you're looking for something even thicker, chipboard is a good option. This material is like cardstock but even sturdier, ensuring your guests can actually use the fans to cool down.

If you're creating a folded paper fan, a lightweight paper like wrapping or scrapbook paper is a better option. This will make it easier to fold the paper into an accordion shape and attach it to the stick.

When choosing your paper, consider the overall look you want to achieve. For a classic and elegant look, a combination of plain and script fonts on white paper is a good choice. If you want to add some colour, consider printing your design on coloured paper or using coloured handles and decorations.

Printing and folding

Printing:

• Choose your desired colour of index paper or cardstock that coordinates with your wedding theme. You can opt for plain paper or go for fun colours.
• Before making the fans, you can print messages or graphics on the paper to make your event more festive. Most index paper works well with printers, or you can take it to a local copy shop.
• If you're creating a one-page design, print it on 8.5" x 11" paper and fold it in half so you don't have to make any cuts. This way, you can fold and crease the paper before adding any glue.
• If you're printing on both sides of the paper, use 65lb-80lb paper, especially if you're using a home inkjet printer. For one-sided printing, order from a professional printer and request at least 110lb paper.
• Download and customise templates for your program. Once you're satisfied with the design, proceed to printing.

Folding:

• Use a paper scoring board to mark and score the centre of your printed paper. This will help create an indented straight line and guide you in making a perfect fold.
• Fold the paper in half. If you're using thicker paper, you may need a bone folder to help smooth out the crease.
• If you wish to round the corners of your fans, use a corner paper punch on all four corners of the folded paper. There are various options available, from classic round corners to fancier designs.

Attaching the handle

• Prepare the Fan Handle: Before you begin, ensure you have the right type and number of fan handles. Wooden fan handles are a popular choice and can be found at craft stores. You will need one handle for each fan you plan to make.
• Positioning the Handle: Play around with the positioning of the fan handle on the fan base. You can place it closer to the bottom, middle, or top of the fan, depending on your preference. Once you are happy with the placement, use a small piece of double-sided tape to temporarily stick the handle in place.
• Attaching the Handle: Remove the protective backing from the double-sided tape and carefully place the fan base on top, ensuring the handle is securely attached. You can use a bone folder or your fingers to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure a strong bond.
• Reinforcement: To reinforce the handle attachment, consider adding a small amount of glue along the edges of the fan base where it connects to the handle. This will ensure that the handle does not come loose, especially if the fans will be used frequently.
• Drying and Finishing: Allow the glue to dry completely before handling the fans. You can add further decorations, such as ribbons, bows, or additional embellishments, to the handles to give them a more elegant and personalised look.

Adding decorations

Ribbon or Twine

Add a pretty ribbon or twine to the handle of your fan. This can be a nice way to complement your wedding colours. For example, you could use sheer organza ribbon in silver and gold.

Corner Punches

Use a corner punch to round the corners of your fan. You can buy mini corner rounder punches from craft stores, and they usually cost less than $5. There are lots of options for corner paper punches, from a simple round corner to something more decorative and fancy.

Stamps

Stamping your fan sticks is an easy way to personalise your design. You could use chalk to stamp your fans, allowing your guests to write their names for place cards.

Bows

Add a bow to your fan for a decorative touch. You could use a white ribbon bow, or choose a coloured bow to match your wedding theme.

Glitter

Add some sparkle to your fans with a touch of glitter. You could use glitter glue or glitter stickers to create a pretty pattern or design.

Crayons

If you're making fans for a wedding with lots of children, you could leave boxes of crayons out for the kids to decorate their fans. This will keep them entertained during the long day.

Printing

Print a message or graphics onto your fans to make them more festive. You can use a home printer or take your design to a local copy shop.

Finishing touches

Now that you've made your wedding hand fan, it's time for the finishing touches! Here are some ideas to make your fan extra special:

Embellishments

Add some ribbon or twine to the handle of your fan. You can also try stamping the fan sticks or adding other embellishments to personalise your fans. Be creative and add your own unique touch!

Corner Punches

Use a corner punch to round the corners of your fan for a soft, elegant finish. You can find a mini corner rounder punch at your local craft store. This is an easy way to add a delicate touch to your fans.

Printing

If you want to include a message or graphics on your fan, you can print on the paper before assembling the fan. This can be a fun way to add a personal touch and make your event more festive. You can use a home printer or take your paper to a local copy shop.

Colour

Choose a colour scheme that coordinates with your event. You can select coloured paper, fan handles, or even add colour with crayons or other decorations. This is a great way to tie your fans into the overall aesthetic of your wedding or event.

Assembly

If you're making a large number of fans, consider having an assembly party! Get your friends together for a fun afternoon of fan assembly, chatting, and watching wedding-themed movies. It's a great way to get help and spend time with your loved ones.

Frequently asked questions