Big Scissors Explained: What the Ceremonial Ones Really Are

If you have ever watched a ribbon cutting and wondered about the enormous pair on stage, you are looking at big scissors made for ceremony, not craft. We field this question constantly, and the short answer is that ceremonial scissors are oversized versions of ordinary shears built to be seen, photographed, and remembered. They still open and close like the pair in your kitchen drawer, only much larger and far shinier. This piece explains what they are, how the sizes break down, and why anyone would want a two-foot pair of scissors in the first place.

We are Golden Openings, and we have supplied ceremonial scissors for openings of every size. Here is the plain-language version of everything people ask us.

What Are Big Scissors, Exactly?

Big scissors are simply scaled-up shears. The core design is the same tool humans have used for centuries, two blades pivoting on a central point, a mechanism you can read more about on the general scissors reference. Ceremonial versions stretch that design to lengths a normal pair never reaches, sometimes past three feet from handle to tip.

The reason is visibility. A regular pair of scissors is a working tool meant to be held close and used quietly. Big ceremonial scissors are meant to be held up, seen from across a room, and captured in a photo. Everything about them, from the length to the bright plating, serves that one purpose.

They are not sharpened like tailoring shears, either. Most ceremonial pairs have blades dulled enough to be safe to pass around, while the better ones still cut ribbon cleanly on the first pass. The point is spectacle with just enough function to complete the cut.

Why Do Big Scissors Exist at All?

The tradition comes from the ritual of marking a beginning. Cutting a ribbon signals that a space is officially open, and the act needs to be visible to everyone gathered. A tiny pair of scissors would undercut the moment. A large one makes the gesture unmistakable.

Photography sealed the habit. Once newspapers and then social media started documenting openings, the prop had to fill the frame. Big scissors read instantly in a photo, which is why they became the standard for the modern grand opening. The bigger pair simply tells the story better in a single image.

The Sizes, Explained Simply

People get lost in inches, so we translate. Here is how the common sizes actually feel in the hand and on camera.

Small ceremonial (15 to 20 inches): About the length of your forearm. Easy for one person to hold, light, and affordable. Great for small shops and pop-ups. Our economy and medium scissors collections live here.

Medium ceremonial (20 to 30 inches): Roughly arm-length. This is the size most people picture when they hear "ribbon cutting scissors." It photographs well and still handles easily. See our large scissors range for this middle ground.

Giant ceremonial (30 to 48 inches): As tall as a small child. These need two hands or two people, and they dominate any photo. Cities, hospitals, and stadiums use them. Our giant scissors collection covers the headline sizes.

Big Scissors Sizes at a Glance

Size name	Length	Real-world comparison	Who uses it
Small ceremonial	15"–20"	Forearm length	Storefronts, pop-ups
Medium ceremonial	20"–30"	Full arm length	Most businesses, corporate
Giant ceremonial	30"–48"	Height of a small child	Civic, hospital, stadium

 

How Big Scissors Differ From Regular Scissors

The differences go beyond size. Understanding them helps you know what to expect when a large pair arrives.

Feature	Regular scissors	Big ceremonial scissors
Length	6"–10"	15"–48"
Purpose	Everyday cutting	Ceremony and photos
Finish	Plain steel or plastic	Gold or chrome plating
Blade sharpness	Fully sharp	Dulled for safety, ribbon-ready
Handling	One hand	One or two hands
Reuse	Daily	Saved for events

 

The finish is the most obvious upgrade. Ceremonial pairs come plated in gold or chrome so they catch the light and photograph brightly. That shine is a big part of why they look special on stage.

Do Big Scissors Actually Work?

Yes, the good ones do. A quality ceremonial pair with real metal blades cuts ribbon cleanly, which is exactly what you want on camera. Lighter, cheaper pairs lean decorative, so they may struggle with thick satin. We tell first-time buyers to expect that and plan around it.

The simple fix for any pair is a practice cut before the event, or a small pre-cut notch in the ribbon so it parts on the first squeeze. That way the photo captures a smooth, confident cut no matter which size you chose. If cutting performance matters most to you, choose a pair described as having sharpened metal blades rather than a purely decorative finish.

Gold or Chrome: The Simple Version

Big scissors usually come in two finishes, and the choice is mostly about mood. Gold looks classic, warm, and traditional. Chrome looks modern, cool, and sleek. Neither cuts better than the other, so pick the one that matches your ribbon and brand colors.

If you want the details on plating quality and durability, our full buyer's reference on giant ceremonial scissors breaks down gold versus chrome in depth. For most people, though, the rule is simple: match the metal to the ribbon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Because big scissors are unfamiliar to most first-time buyers, a few predictable mistakes come up. Here is how to sidestep them.

•       Assuming bigger is always better. A 40-inch pair in a tiny boutique looks awkward and is hard to handle. Match the size to the space.

•       Expecting kitchen-scissor sharpness. Ceremonial blades are dulled for safety. Do a test cut so you know how your pair behaves.

•       Forgetting they need two hands. Anything over 30 inches is a two-hand or two-person tool. Plan who holds it before the moment arrives.

•       Ignoring the finish and ribbon match. Chrome scissors with a gold ribbon look mismatched in photos. Coordinate them.

•       Buying the cheapest pair for a big event. A flagship opening deserves a pair that photographs well and lasts. Economy pairs suit low-stakes promos, not headline moments.

The Bottom Line

Big scissors are ceremonial versions of an everyday tool, scaled up and shined up so a ribbon cutting reads clearly to a crowd and a camera. The sizes run from forearm-length starters to child-height giants, and the right one depends on your venue and how many people will cut together. Pick a size that fits the space, match the finish to your ribbon, and do a quick test cut, and the pair will do its job.

Ready to see them in person? Browse our full scissors collection to compare every size and finish side by side, then choose the pair that fits your moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are big scissors used for?

Big ceremonial scissors are used to cut the ribbon at grand openings, groundbreakings, and similar events. They are oversized so the moment is visible to the crowd and photographs clearly, which regular scissors cannot do.

How big do ceremonial scissors get?

They range from about 15 inches up to 48 inches. Smaller pairs suit storefronts and one-person cuts, while the giant 30-to-48-inch pairs are built for civic, hospital, and stadium events where several people cut together.

Are big scissors sharp?

Most are dulled enough to be safe to pass around, but quality pairs still cut ribbon cleanly. Lighter decorative models may struggle with thick satin, so a practice cut or a pre-notch in the ribbon helps ensure a smooth on-camera cut.

Do big scissors come in different colors?

Yes, the two standard finishes are gold and chrome. Gold looks warm and traditional while chrome looks modern and sleek. Neither cuts better, so the choice comes down to matching your ribbon and brand colors.

Can one person hold big scissors?

Small and medium pairs up to about 30 inches are comfortable for one person. Larger giant pairs are designed for two hands or two people, which also makes for a stronger group photo.

What is the difference between big scissors and regular scissors?

Big ceremonial scissors are far longer, plated in gold or chrome, dulled for safety, and saved for events rather than daily use. Regular scissors are short, plain, fully sharp, and meant for everyday cutting.