Choose how guests will use the fan
A wedding fan can be a keepsake, a ceremony program or a place-setting gift. Choose its main purpose before filling the design with names, timings and decoration.
| Use | What to print | How to give it out |
|---|---|---|
| Personal favor | Couple’s names, wedding date and a short message | One per guest, in a basket or at each place |
| Ceremony program | Names and a short order of events | One per reader, placed on ceremony chairs |
| Place-setting gift | Shared design, with a separate guest-name tag if needed | At the correct seat before guests arrive |
For a basket favor, a simple floral design and date may be enough. A program needs clear reading order. A fan placed in a hotel welcome bag needs a reminder if guests are expected to bring it to the ceremony.
Choose the size and finish
Start by comparing 21–23 cm closed samples for a compact handout and a larger sample if the design needs more space. These are starting points, not rules for wedding fans. Check both the closed length and open width in the size guide.
Try the fan in the actual welcome bag and beside a plate, glass and name card. A larger fan may show the artwork well but crowd the table. If it will be given out closed, put a useful detail on the sleeve or tag.
Compare paper and fabric samples with the same artwork. Look at small lettering, pale colors and the reverse side rather than choosing from a material name alone. Keep both paper and silk fans away from moisture; neither should be assumed waterproof.
Calculate the wedding fan quantity
For a personal favor or ceremony program, plan one fan per guest who will receive it. Use one per couple only for a shared keepsake. Count staff, family keepsakes and planned spares separately.
Order quantity = guest copies + staff copies + retained keepsakes + planned spares.
For a ceremony and reception, decide whether guests will carry the same fan between venues. Count each person once for a shared fan; count each place setting if a fresh fan will be provided at both events. Set aside family keepsakes before filling guest baskets.
Keep names and programs easy to read
Use the template for the chosen fan. Its curved leaf, folds and glued areas limit where text can sit. Keep names and the date together in a clear area; avoid running small words across several folds.
- Favor: use names, date and one short message, with decoration around them.
- Program: use a short sequence such as “Welcome · Vows · Rings · Celebration.” Move long readings and directions to a separate card.
- Two-sided design: give each side a purpose, such as artwork on the front and ceremony details on the back. Check how the reverse reads when the fan is turned over.
- Guest names: use tags when the seating list may change. Send us the name list before finalizing individually printed fans so we can confirm the required artwork versions.
Print the complete proof at actual size, without “fit to page.” Use full names, accents and the final typeface. If wording becomes hard to read, shorten it or move detail off the fan before shrinking the text.
Try one finished sample
A flat proof checks wording; an assembled sample shows what folds and handling do to it. Ask someone unfamiliar with the layout to find the names, date and program sequence.
- Check every name, accent and date against the final text.
- Read both sides with the fan open and held naturally.
- Compare colors with the physical invitation or decor you want to match.
- Open and close it gently, then try its sleeve, ribbon and bag together.
Ribbons should not block opening or pull on the leaf. Keep the approved sample as the reference for the order.
Leave time for packing and venue delivery
At FoldCool, typical sampling takes 3–7 days and bulk production 7–15 days. Shipping is separate, and the final schedule is confirmed for each order. Work back from when fans must be at the venue, including inspection, ribbons, tags and setup.
Time a short packing trial with the actual fan, ribbon and tag. Multiply the time per fan by the quantity, then allow time for unpacking, counting and placement. Ready-packed favors may save work on the wedding day.
Check the venue’s receiving hours and storage arrangements. Keep cartons dry and away from drinks. Put programs on chairs before guests arrive; keep basket refills close to the person handing them out.
Give the setup team a simple handover
Label packs by destination: ceremony chairs, reception, staff and reserve. Include one photo of the finished favor and the quantity for each location. If the same guests carry fans between venues, tell the team how that will be explained.
For a quote, send your guest quantity, preferred style, names or artwork, delivery destination and wedding date to info@foldcool.com.