Tips for Planning a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

After relocating to greener pastures, launching a business in its new location is celebrated with an official ribbon cutting ceremony. Complete with giant scissors, bright red ribbon, and an elated business owner, a well-planned ceremony draws numerous eager guests, from the mayor to new customers.

What is the purpose of a ribbon cutting ceremony?

A brand-new chapter in the life of a business starts upon moving to a prime location. Once the company is settled, the next step is planning for the grand opening. The ribbon cutting ceremony brings awareness to the company’s new location and the goods or services it offers.

This major milestone can be leveraged to attract local media attention and new customers or clients. The business owner, business associates, and board members have a chance to thank employees and others involved in the forward momentum of their company. Use these nine tips to plan the ceremony.

What are tips for planning a ribbon cutting ceremony?

Tip 1: Choose a Milestone

A successful ribbon cutting ceremony must be planned in advance. One of the early steps is to decide what milestone the ceremony is intended to celebrate. Some are held once an important project is completed. Others occur when a new business launches.

Tip 2: Decide When to Hold the Ceremony

The timing of the ribbon cutting ceremony is also important. Hold the ceremony on opening day to draw curious crowds at the front door. Or opt for a soft launch, when the company throws the ribbon cutting ceremony a few weeks or months after the official opening.

Tip 3: Consider Invitees’ Schedules

Take into account the schedules of important guests. VIPs may be scheduled to speak at the ceremony, so consider their dates of availability. Event participants may be torn between the ceremony and another big event happening concurrently, making it essential to plan so everyone can attend.

Tip 4: Pick the Best Hours

The local Chamber of Commerce is a vital resource for determining if other ongoing events create a conflict. Then schedule the ribbon cutting ceremony during a time that’s convenient for most attendees, such as during noontime and afternoon hours when offices give employees breaks.

Alternately, weekends are practical for businesses that want more guests to attend and stay longer to explore their offerings. However, government officials won’t be available. Weekdays are advisable when the company aims to attract government officials and prominent local business people.

Achieve the best of both worlds by holding two separate ribbon cutting ceremonies: a weekday ceremony when the mayor, other dignitaries, and the local press are available to attend and, on the weekend, a grand opening celebration to attract potential clients.

Tip 5: Choose a Fitting Venue

Many ribbon cutting ceremonies are held onsite, at the place of business. But if that venue is too small to accommodate a long list of guests, invite a few people to the actual ceremony. Afterward, hold a reception for all other guests in a larger facility.

Tip 6: Prepare a Guest List

A business that reaches its pinnacle does not do so alone. Stakeholders, leadership, management, and employees contribute to its success. Prepare a guest list by consulting with staff members, from leadership to management. This step ensures no VIPs are omitted.

Besides sending personal invites to stakeholders, send invitations to local dignitaries who can help the business network with others in the community. These well-connected individuals may be government officials, such as the mayor, city council members as well as various commissioners.

Don’t forget members of the team who’ve helped the company achieve its milestone, such as employees, architects, accountants, various levels of management, and administration. Allow staff to bring one family member. Create buzz around the ceremony by inviting local media outlets.

Tip 7: Advertise the Event

Spread the word about the ribbon cutting ceremony through social media. An official company account can bring attention to the event as equally as local influencers. Hang posters and billboards with the date, time, and location of the ceremony. Send out press releases, too.

Tip 8: Hire Professionals

Food and refreshments are an important part of any event. Hire a caterer to serve foods that promote the business’s agenda, like nutritious appetizers during a medical facility opening. Enlist a company photographer to take high-quality photos for later use in social media and marketing campaigns.

Tip 9: Prepare a Speech

At the start of the ceremony, guests will expect to hear from the business owner. Prepare a short speech beforehand, one that evokes emotion from the attendees. A heartfelt speech has the ability to connect with audiences. Also hand out brochures or pamphlets showcasing the company’s offerings.

The tenth tip involves the most eye-catching part of the ceremony: cutting the ribbon. Find large ceremonial scissors at a party supply store. But before you plan a grand ribbon cutting ceremony, schedule Chicago Office Movers to help you relocate to your desired location.

As highly experienced commercial movers, we offer your business comprehensive relocation services. We cover every phase, from the planning to the packing and the unpacking. Extra conveniences are also available, including short- and long-term storage options, insurance contracts, and add-on services.

Our dependable crew of office movers has expertly handled a wide range of items, including precious antiques, bulky office furniture, fragile IT systems, sensitive electronics, and cubicles. We’ll deliver the highest level of care when handling your office possessions and transport them in our climate-controlled trucks for extra protection.

Working with Chicago Office Movers gives your company less downtime. Your employees have the opportunity to continue focusing on job-related tasks while we take care of the packing and transport. Satisfied customers that have relied on us include University of Chicago and Alcatel Lucent.

Choose Chicago Office Movers for your upcoming local, long-distance, or international corporate relocation. We offer budget-friendly moves and exceptional customer service. Be onsite for your next ribbon cutting ceremony by letting us help you relocate.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.