Cutting the Ribbon

Most of us have heard of a ribbon cutting ceremony. Some of us have probably been to a ribbon cutting ceremony. These events are used to symbolize a new beginning in the life of someone’s business and build anticipation of what’s to come much like throwing a graduation cap or opening a nicely packaged gift. Did you know the ribbon cutting ceremony dates back to the late 1800’s after a ribbon cutting occurred at the opening of a Louisiana railroad line?¹ From there it was used often as the modern interstate highway system began and each bridge, tunnel, and roadway was opened.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned to celebrate the culmination of a project; the opening of a new business, re-opening of a newly renovated space, end of a long-awaited construction build, or to announce an organization’s existence and mission to a community. It also makes for a great promotional or marketing opportunity and is a very public way to thank everyone involved.

When planning a ribbon cutting ceremony, work closely with the client to ensure the right guests are invited to cut the ribbon and no important stakeholders are overlooked. Those who cut the ribbon are usually business owners, major investors, employees, contractors, architects, friends, family members, clients, or business partners. There are situations when it is appropriate for multiple people to cut the ribbon, requiring multiple pairs of standard scissors, and times when just one person will cut it, where an unusually oversized pair of scissors need to be sourced. Who cuts the ribbon is a decision the client will need to make as it can be very personal to them.

As with any event, there are many logistics that go into planning a ribbon cutting. It’s not a metaphor, there is an actual ribbon strung across the doorway of a new building, an entryway to a new bridge, or the onramp of a new roadway. As such, there needs to be enough space blocked off for guests to safely stand or sit. This may include arranging for barricades to block off streets or parking lots, hiring local law enforcement to assist with traffic control, and arranging a delivery of chairs, stanchions, carpet runners, and other resources to make everyone comfortable.

In coordination with the client, make sure there is a big enough splash to draw attention to the ceremony. Consider having a large sign created naming the new business or roadway, and thanking those who contributed to the project, bringing in eye-catching decorations such as balloon arches and columns, or renting Hollywood lights and a red carpet.

It is important to capture the special moments of the event for the client. Hire a photographer and videographer, and be sure to give the ribbon cutting guests instructions before handing them a pair of scissors. Tell them when to pose for photographs with their scissors without cutting the ribbon and where they should look. Ensure they know how to cut the ribbon and where the camera will be when they do. Remind everyone to smile and cheer, shake hands, hug, cry, laugh, and enjoy themselves. This is a celebration marking a milestone in their history.

Select a thick enough ribbon that guests in the back can see it. It looks good in photos plus it adds to the dramatic effect. Above all, practice cutting the ribbon before bringing it onsite. Make sure the scissors that were selected will do the job when the time comes for the client to cut the ribbon. You want to avoid someone feeling embarrassed as they stand in front of business partners, employees, family, and friends and struggle to cut the ribbon at their ribbon cutting ceremony.

Have you planned a ribbon cutting ceremony? What kind of ribbon did you use? Share it here or send me an email. I am curious if one is better than another.

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1.Perlo Construction Article/Blog, “The History and Importance of Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies.” March 2022. Website.