There are three types of well-known events related to new or modified businesses. Based on your unique situation, you may choose to have one or more of these events running simultaneously:

• Grand Opening – Can be a casual or formal event which typically lasts 1-2 hours. Refreshments are optional.
  
  
• Ribbon Cutting – Formal event with a specific time for guests to be at your business. The business owner and/or manager greets guests and participates in cutting the ribbon. Dignitaries or VIP guests may also be chosen to participate in the ceremony. If you have a large group of people cut the ribbon, be sure to provide enough scissors for them. Refreshments are optional, but always recommended.
  
  
• Open House – Casual event which lasts for several hours. Guests come and go informally and visit your business. Company representatives are on hand to talk up your establishment. Refreshments are optional.
  

Step 1

Delegate responsibilities

Choose your event planner or coordinator. It may be you, a member of your management team, or a professional event planner. This will be the person with the primary responsibility of getting everything planned and executed. Decide which decisions will be made by you, and which ones will be delegated to your team.

Step 2

Establish a budget

The event budget will determine many factors - the type and quantity of food served, how many and what type of ribbon cutting scissors and ribbons will be used, the quality of the invitations, and more. Therefore, it is important to establish some general guidelines during the early planning stages.

Step 3

Choose a date for your event

Selecting a date is one of the most important decisions you will make as you begin the process of planning and staging a successful event. Before you make your decision, here are some important things to consider:

Step 4

Choose the best time of day for your event

The time of day you choose to hold your event helps determine many details about the type of special event that you’ll conduct. For example, morning functions will have an entirely different atmosphere than a late afternoon event or evening cocktail reception.Luncheon gatherings will require more food and beverages. Consider the following when making your decision:

Step 5

Develop an invitation list

The invitation list should include people who are important to you, and also to the success of your business. Inviting the right people will make your event fun and effective. The 'right' people will vary depending on the event but a guest list might include some of the following:

Step 6

Design your invitation

Don’t overlook your invitation. It may be the first impression of your business for many people. Your invitation should echo your brand and set the stage for your event.

Step 7

Serving food and beverages

Although an added expense that you may prefer to avoid, serving food and beverages adds a nice touch. Here are some helpful hints:

Step 8

Building your program

You may decide to hold a traditional ribbon cutting, with one or a few brief speeches. You may wish to include other activities, such as tours of your facility, exhibits, and recognition of dignitaries, music or other entertainment, a raffle or refreshments. You may also want to have brochures available or a handout of frequently asked questions and answers about your business.

Step 9

Media coverage

If you live in a small town or city, there is a good chance that your local newspaper will give you some modest publicity for your ribbon cutting. However, you should not rely solely on the media to give extensive coverage of your event. Editors are often swamped with business community news and are often unable to provide good coverage to them all. Your local chamber of commerce is often eager to assist you with publicity to their membership. They will generally let you know what is needed from you for information, so be sure to respond to them. Your media efforts will be more successful if you provide a professional looking press release and photographs.

Checklist

Delegate responsibilities

Establish a budget for your event

Contact your local chamber of commerce

Choose emcee/speakers

Plan activities

36" Ceremonial Scissors

Ribbon cutting scissors come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. 36" scissors are the largest available scissors for ribbon cutting. They are constructed of stainless steel with plastic coated handles, and are available in blue, green, red, yellow and black. They are guaranteed to cut our ceremonial ribbons. The scissors weigh 7 pounds, something to keep in mind when choosing who will cut the ribbon. 36" scissors can be engraved on the blades within an 11"w x 2-1/2" h area. You may also choose to screen print on the blade in an area 10-1/2" x 2-1/2" h.

20" Ceremonial Scissors

For a nice medium sized pair of scissors, try our 20" ceremonial scissors, made from polished stainless steel with gold plated handles. Weighing in at 2 lbs., these scissors are easier to handle for some people, yet are more visible than the smaller sizes. These scissors can be laser or rotary engraved on either side of the scissor blades in an area 9"w x ¾" h. A black presentation case is available for a very classy appearance.

15" Ceremonial Scissors

Our 15" ceremonial scissors are available in chrome plated or gold plated finish. They are made of solid stainless steel and weigh 1 lb. each. Choose from rotary or laser engraving on either side of the scissors blades in an area 6"w x 5/8"h.

10 1/2" Ceremonial Scissors

For events with multiple persons as ribbon cutters, consider 10-1/2" scissors. These specialty scissors were designed by us specifically for ceremonial ribbon cutting use. They feature gold plated handles and mirror finish polished steel blades, and weigh 1/2 lb. They are suitable for laser or rotary engraving on both sides, with an engraving area of 3"w x ½"h. All scissors ship securely in custom fitted packaging.

9 1/2" Ceremonial Scissors

Ceremonial Scissors in the 9-1/2" category feature gold plated handles and weigh ½ lb. Both sides of the scissors can be laser or rotary engraved, with an engraving area of 2" x 3/8". A black vinyl, cloth lined presentation case is available for these scissors. After the ceremony, proudly display your scissors on a custom designed wall plaque or wooden base.

Ceremonial Stanchions

Ceremonial stanchions have numerous uses, including crowd control, framing a walkway or doorway, and for draping a ribbon between. Our metal stanchions are available in 2 styles - polished chrome plated or brushed satin finish. Stanchion velour rope is available in 6', 8' & 10' sections and in a variety of colors.

Scissors Plaques

If you’re looking for a great way to display your scissors after your ribbon cutting, consider one of our engraved scissors wall plaques. These beautiful high gloss plaques are sized to fit 9-1/2” through 20” scissors, and are generally available in rosewood, black or walnut piano finish. Engrave your graphics directly into the plaque, and then add an engraved metal plate for additional elegance. Scissors hang on the plaque and are removable.

Scissors Stand

The personalized scissors stand is a great way to display your 9-1/2” ceremonial scissors - at your event, or afterwards. Sold with our 9-1/2” gold handled scissors, the 4 1/2” X 4 1/2” X 2 1/8” cherry finish base features a gloss black brass plate that displays gold when engraved. Visit our website for more desk display options.

Scissors Display Cases

Wall display cases with glass fronts are an excellent way to display your 10-1/2” through 20” scissors. Our cases are made of Appalachian hardwood with anelegant Queen Anne cherry finish, durable masonite backing, and 1/8” glass front.

Velcro-compatible velour background colors are black, red, green, blue, and burgundy.

Custom ribbons are an exciting way to showcase your logo or company colors. With our multicolor custom ribbon, you can have unlimited colors, any font, any design and any color printed on one side of a white ribbon. PMS colors can also be closely matched. The rolls are 100 yards in length, and come in 2", 3", 4" and 6" widths.

Red Carpet

Nothing says welcome like a red carpet. Our standard red carpet is 3' wide and 20' long. Custom sizes are also available, as well as a wide assortment of colors.

Bows

Bows made of ribbon are lightweight and add a splash of color to your event. Use them as accents and attention getters. They will add a festive atmosphere to your event. A bow on each end of the ribbon is a nice finishing touch.

Embedments

If you have the budget, acrylic embedments have the "wow" factor your event is looking for. Miniature scissors embedded in a block of clear acrylic makes a great memento for your event. You may select from a variety of standard shapes such as rectangular blocks, pyramids, triangles, hexagons, and circles, or choose a custom specialty shape such as a star or obelisk. Personalize your selection with your custom logo or text. It's the perfect way to commemorate and advertise your new business.

Chocolate Scissors

Eating a pair of chocolate scissors will put a smile on any face. Perhaps that is why they are such a popular gift for attendees of ribbon cuttings. These molded chocolate scissors are available in milk or dark chocolate, and require a minimum order of 125. In warmer seasons, the scissors are shipped in insulated containers to protect them from melting.

Lapel Pins

Scissor shaped lapel pins combined with your business card make a nice gift as well as an effective marketing tool. Everyone will want one, and everyone will now have your business contact information. These and many more products can be found on our specialty website, ceremonialscissors.com.