Are you a new business owner looking to promote your business? Would you like to do this in a budget-friendly way? If your answer to these questions is yes, you are the perfect candidate for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The ceremony is just that- a gathering of people celebrating the launching of a business by cutting a ceremonial ribbon. The event can be a humble, 30-minute occasion or a grand affair involving hundreds of guests. Of course, the grandiosity of the event depends on the time you have to plan and your budgetary constraints. 

Keep reading to find out more about why you should throw a ribbon-cutting ceremony and how to go about planning it. 

Why Have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony?

The most compelling reason to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony is that it provides a rare opportunity to promote your business. For one, the buzz you create around the event itself is enough to get people to notice your new business.

Additionally, the priceless photos you take during the event are perfect for your website and pamphlets. If there is one way to get people talking about your company, then having a ribbon-cutting ceremony is it.

Secondly, this event gives you a chance to interact with the community you will be serving. It allows you to show the human side of your business, which goes a long way in endearing you to your society. Additionally, it shows that you care about your customers, which is critical in promoting sales.

Thirdly, the ceremony is also an excellent opportunity to appreciate your team. You can thank them for working tirelessly to bring your business idea to life in your speech. This is a great way to improve staff morale and loyalty. 

How to Plan the Ceremony

Create a Guest List

The first step in planning the occasion is to create a guest list. The list allows you to plan for logistics like the venue, the amount of food or refreshments to prepare and sitting arrangements for your guests.

In addition to your family, friends, staff, and some community members consider inviting members of the business community in your locality. Their presence during the event can make them more receptive to your new venture. 

You also need to create a list of speakers for the event. The list may include respected business persons in your community, some members of your staff, as well as you, the business owner. 

Finally, don’t forget to appoint a Master of Ceremonies to help coordinate the whole event.

Plan An Activity

The most productive ribbon-cutting ceremonies are usually centred around social activity. For example, the actions could include happy-hour drinks or a lunch. The social nature of such settings allows guests to interact properly, thus giving your team ample opportunity to talk about your business.

You should also have a program that will guide the activities of the ceremony. A typical program includes:

• Welcoming guests
• Introducing key people 
• Making speeches
• Cutting the ribbons
• Recognizing people who have contributed to the success of the day
• Closing remarks

Pick a Time for the Event

It would be best if you also chose the time for your event. Often, business events scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday tend to have the most attendees. Therefore, you might want to pick one of these days to maximize the attendance of your event.

Additionally, it is best to hold the ceremony late in the afternoon, when most people are not too busy. People also tend to show up for late afternoon events because they won’t be in a hurry to get back to work. 

Choose a Venue

Another critical step in the ceremony-planning process is picking a location for the event. Ideally, the place should be your business premises, as this gives attendees a chance to get a feel of your company.

However, if your business is home-based, you can hold the event in a public space. Enlist the help of your local chamber of commerce to make the ceremony a success. 

Send The Invitations

Photo from Pexels

The final step in preparing for your big event is to send out the invitation cards. It’s best to send them a few weeks in advance to allow your guests enough time to prepare for your event.

You may also ask your guests to RSVP, especially if you plan to serve food or refreshments during the event. This will go a long way in making planning easier.

Additionally, be sure to highlight your keynote speakers in the cards to build anticipation around your event. High attendance guarantees more publicity which is good for your business. 

Conclusion

A ribbon-cutting ceremony may appear to be a simple event, but it can be a powerful marketing tool if used correctly. The ceremony gives you a chance to promote your new business, interact with your future customers and appreciate your dedicated staff.

Planning the event need not be overly complex. By deciding early on who you want to invite to the event, where and when you will hold the event and the activities for the day, you should have an easy time planning it. 

If you are a new business owner, don’t overlook the importance of this seemingly humble event. It might just be the tool that catapults your business to success.