Bridal fans: Timeless accessory with modern appeal

Bridal fans have long added elegance and sophistication to wedding ensembles. In Ghana today, it is common to see brides holding fans at engagement ceremonies or weddings.

Once associated with vintage or royal aesthetics, bridal fans have evolved to match modern wedding styles and themes. We bring you a breakdown of the fashionable types of bridal fans:
1.  Traditional lace fans
o    Design: Delicately handcrafted, these fans are made from fine lace or embroidered fabrics, exuding timeless grace.
o    Occasions: Ideal for vintage or classic-themed weddings.
o    Details: Often adorned with pearls, floral patterns, or intricate lacework in white or ivory.
2.  Feather fans
o    Design: Soft feathers like ostrich or marabou add luxurious, dramatic flair to bridal attire.
o    Occasions: Perfect for glamorous, unconventional, or Great Gatsby-inspired weddings (synonymous with parties, glitz and glamour).
o    Details: Embellishments like crystals, rhinestones, or metallic accents offer an opulent touch.

3.  Hand-painted silk fans
o    Design: These silk fans feature hand-painted designs such as flowers, doves, or even personalised messages.
o    Occasions: Ideal for garden or romantic outdoor weddings.
o    Details: Lightweight with artistic designs, they can be customised to match the wedding theme.
4.  Brocade or embroidered fans
o    Design: Featuring luxurious fabrics like brocade or satin, these fans often display embroidered patterns or beads.
o    Occasions: Perfect for cultural or formal weddings with a focus on traditional elegance.
o    Details: Embroidery may include cultural symbols, monograms, or florals in gold or silver thread.
5.  Wooden or bamboo folding fans
o    Design: Made from wood or bamboo slats, these fans often feature laser-cut designs or intricate carvings and are both lightweight and elegant.
o    Occasions: Popular for rustic, beach, or outdoor weddings.
o    Details: Often paired with ribbons or light fabric and customisable with names or messages.
6.  Metallic fans
o    Design: Fans with metallic finishes—gold, silver, or bronze—are sleek and modern, often embellished with crystals or pearls.
o    Occasions: Perfect for contemporary, black-tie, or formal weddings.
o    Details: Durable and chic, these fans offer a minimalist or glam aesthetic.

7.  Fan bouquets
o    Design: A hybrid of a fan and a bouquet, these fans are decorated with real or artificial flowers, along with ribbons, pearls, or lace.
o    Occasions: Ideal for brides who want to forgo a traditional bouquet while still holding something stylish and practical.
o    Details: Customisable with flowers and colours to match the wedding palette.
8.  Vintage handheld fans

o    Design: Authentic vintage or vintage-inspired fans, often made with delicate fabrics, lace, feathers, or ornate handles, are perfect for brides seeking an old-world charm.
o    Occasions: Suitable for weddings with a nostalgic or classic feel.
Bridal fans are not just practical accessories but also add a distinctive touch of style, personalising the bride's look while enhancing the overall wedding aesthetic.