Ribbon cutting ceremonies are a time-honored tradition that marks a significant milestone for any business. Whether you’re launching a new business, celebrating an expansion, or reopening after a renovation, a ribbon cutting ceremony symbolizes new beginnings and exciting opportunities. It’s a moment that attracts attention from the community, customers, and potential partners, and it deserves to be executed flawlessly. 

At Golden Openings, we specialize in providing all the supplies you need to make your ribbon cutting ceremony a memorable and impactful event. While planning your ceremony, there are several do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. This guide will help you ensure that your ribbon cutting ceremony goes off without a hitch, leaving a lasting impression on your guests and setting the tone for future success. 

Do: Plan Ahead for Maximum Impact 

Planning is key to any successful event, and a ribbon cutting ceremony is no exception. Taking the time to organize all the details will ensure that everything runs smoothly on the big day. 

Consider the following planning steps: 

• Choose the Right Date and Time: Pick a date and time that works well for both your team and your guests. If you're hoping for a great turnout, avoid scheduling your ceremony during holidays or other busy times. Consider holding the ceremony during business hours to maximize attendance. 

• Send Invitations Early: Invitations should go out at least a few weeks in advance. Be sure to invite key community members, local businesses, media, and anyone who would be beneficial to have at the event. The more guests you have, the more exposure your event will receive. 

• Coordinate with Local Officials: If appropriate, invite local officials like the mayor or other community leaders to make your event feel official. This could also help garner more media attention for your event. 

• Create a Timeline: Establish a timeline for the ceremony itself. Decide who will speak, when the ribbon cutting will occur, and how long the event will last. Having a timeline will keep the event on track and ensure you don’t miss any important moments. 

Don’t: Neglect the Visuals 

A ribbon cutting ceremony is a highly visual event. Photographers and videographers will capture the moment for future promotional use, and the ceremony will likely be shared on social media. Because of this, the visual elements of the ceremony are paramount. 

Avoid these visual mistakes: 

• Choose the Wrong Ribbon: The ribbon is arguably the most important visual element of the ceremony. At Golden Openings, we offer a variety of colors, sizes, and customizable options to match your brand’s identity. Don’t settle for a generic ribbon that doesn’t match your business’s colors or the event’s theme. A ribbon in your brand’s colors or with your logo adds an elegant touch and reinforces your branding. 

• Don’t Forget to Decorate: While the ribbon cutting is the centerpiece, don’t forget to decorate the space around you. Adding balloons, banners, and other visual elements can help elevate the experience and give the ceremony an exciting atmosphere. 

• Underestimate Lighting: If your event is indoors or in a space with poor lighting, make sure you have enough lighting to ensure the ceremony looks good in photos. Bad lighting can make even the best event look unprofessional. Bright, soft lighting can create an inviting and celebratory atmosphere for your ribbon cutting ceremony. 

Do: Make the Ceremony Personal 

A ribbon cutting ceremony is an opportunity to showcase your business’s personality and brand. It’s an excellent chance to tell your story, share your mission, and connect with your community on a personal level. 

Here’s how to make your ceremony feel more personal: 

• Give a Brief Speech: Take a few moments to thank everyone for coming, share what your business is all about, and explain why this milestone is so important. Your speech doesn’t need to be long, but it should be heartfelt and authentic. 

• Involve Key Employees or Partners: If you have employees, partners, or investors who’ve played a pivotal role in getting your business to this point, consider inviting them to stand by you during the ribbon cutting. This creates a sense of unity and shows that the success of your business is a team effort. 

• Share Your Business’s Story: The ribbon cutting ceremony is an ideal time to talk about your business’s history, values, and what makes you unique. If your company has a particularly interesting or inspiring backstory, now is the time to share it. 

Don’t: Forget to Promote the Event 

Even though a ribbon cutting ceremony is an exciting milestone for your business, it’s not enough to simply host the event without promoting it. Effective marketing is key to making sure people know about your ceremony and attend. 

Don’t make these promotional mistakes: 

• Don’t Skip Social Media: Make sure to promote your event on social media channels well in advance. Share posts about the date, time, and importance of the event. Creating an event page on Facebook or LinkedIn can also help you keep track of RSVPs and generate buzz. 

• Fail to Notify the Media: If your business is new to the community or you're launching a new product or service, media coverage is essential. Reach out to local news outlets to invite them to cover your ribbon cutting ceremony. You might even get a mention in the local newspaper or on television. 

• Lack Clear Signage: Ensure that guests can easily find your event. Have clear signage directing them to the ceremony location, especially if your business is in a complex or hard-to-find area. Clear, visible signage shows your professionalism and helps guests feel more at ease. 

Do: Choose the Right Ribbon Cutting Scissors 

The ceremonial ribbon cutting scissors you choose can add a touch of class to your ribbon cutting ceremony and make for great photos. Golden Openings offers a variety of ceremonial scissors that can suit the style of your event. 

Important considerations when choosing scissors: 

• Size Matters: You want a pair of scissors that are large enough to make a statement, but not so big that they become awkward to use. At Golden Openings, we offer scissors in a variety of sizes, with 36-inch scissors being a popular choice for most ceremonies. 

• Customization: Add a unique touch to your ribbon cutting ceremony by choosing personalized scissors. Whether you add your company logo or a custom message, it will add a special element to the occasion. 

Don’t: Overlook the Photo Opportunities 

As one of the most photographed moments of your ribbon cutting ceremony, it’s essential to make sure the photos are as polished and professional as possible. These photos will be used in marketing materials, on your website, and across social media. 

Avoid these photo-related mistakes: 

• Lack of a Designated Photographer: If you don’t have a photographer on hand, your photos may come out poorly, making it difficult to promote your business afterward. Hire a professional photographer or designate someone to take high-quality pictures throughout the ceremony. 

• No Clear Focus: While the ribbon cutting itself is the most important moment, don’t forget to capture the reactions of the crowd, your speech, and other key moments. A variety of photos will give you more content to use later. 

Do: Thank Your Guests and Celebrate 

A ribbon cutting ceremony is about celebrating a major accomplishment and expressing gratitude to those who have helped you along the way. Don’t forget to thank everyone who attended and supported your business, whether it’s your employees, customers, or the local community. 

Ideas for thanking your guests: 

• Hand Out Promotional Materials: Show appreciation by giving guests something to remember your event by. Offer small, branded gifts or promotional materials that they can take with them. 

• Host a Small Reception: After the ceremony, consider having a reception or small gathering with refreshments. It’s a great way to continue the celebration and create an opportunity for networking. 

Conclusion 

A ribbon cutting ceremony is a great way to celebrate a significant milestone in your business’s journey. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your event goes smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on your guests. From choosing the perfect ribbon and scissors to making the ceremony personal and promoting it effectively, every detail matters. 

At Golden Openings, we offer everything you need to make your ribbon cutting ceremony a success, from high-quality ribbons and ceremonial scissors to customized promotional materials. Browse our collection today and start planning your perfect event!