Ribbon cutting ceremony: ideas, programme and script

A ribbon cutting ceremony is the moment a new office, store, restaurant or building is declared open. It lasts only a few minutes, but the photo of the ribbon being cut is the one that represents the opening for years. This guide covers how to plan a ribbon cutting, ideas to make it memorable, a sample programme and a simple script for the host.

What you need for a ribbon cutting ceremony

• A wide ribbon in the brand colour, long enough to stretch across the entrance with slack, plus a spare.
• Scissors for each person cutting. Large ceremonial scissors look good in photos, but check they are sharp. Keep a normal sharp pair nearby.
• Stands or holders to keep the ribbon at waist height, or two people to hold the ends.
• A tray or cushion to present the scissors, and someone assigned to carry it.
• A branded backdrop or clear view of the entrance and sign.
• Sound. Even a small crowd cannot hear speeches outdoors without a microphone and speaker.
• A photographer and videographer who know the order of events in advance.

Sample ribbon cutting ceremony programme

Keep speeches to two or three minutes each. Guests are standing, and the cut is what they came to see.

A simple ribbon cutting ceremony script

Here is a short script the host can adapt.

• Welcome. "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the official opening of [name]. Thank you for joining us on this special day. We are honoured to have with us [guest of honour, with full title]."
• First speech. "Please welcome [name], [title], to say a few words."
• Second speech. "Thank you. I now invite our guest of honour, [name], to address us."
• Calling the cutters. "It is now time for the moment we have all been waiting for. May I invite [names in order] to come forward for the ribbon cutting."
• The countdown. "Is everyone ready? Please join me in the countdown. Three, two, one." Pause for the cut and the applause.
• Declaring it open. "Ladies and gentlemen, [name] is now officially open. Please come inside and join us for refreshments and a tour."

Tell the cutters beforehand to hold the pose for a few seconds after the cut, looking at the cameras. It is the photo that matters.

Ribbon cutting ceremony ideas

• Several ribbons, several cutters. When many partners must be included, give each a short section of ribbon so everyone cuts at once.
• A plaque unveiling with the cut. The guest of honour cuts the ribbon, then unveils a plaque inside the entrance.
• Staff or first customers cut with the owner. A good story for a retail or restaurant opening.
• A reveal behind the ribbon. The doors open or a curtain drops as the ribbon falls, showing the space for the first time.
• Traditional welcome. In the UAE, Arabic coffee and dates at the entrance and a traditional performance, such as Al Ayyala, suit a formal opening.
• A digital ribbon. On an LED screen, a virtual ribbon is cut by touch. Useful when the real opening is spread over several sites.
• Keep the ribbon. Cut pieces can be framed with a photo as a thank-you gift for partners.

Who cuts the ribbon, and where do they stand?

Agree this in writing before the day. As a rule, the guest of honour stands in the centre, with the owner or chairman beside them and other partners placed outwards by seniority. If a government or royal guest attends, their protocol office will advise on the order, and their decision is final.

Mark each person's position on the ground with a small sticker. Have an usher guide each guest to their mark, and keep everyone else behind the cameras until the photo is taken.

Common mistakes

• Scissors that do not cut. Test them on the actual ribbon.
• A ribbon pulled too tight. It should have a gentle curve so it falls cleanly.
• Photographers blocked by guests with phones. Reserve a clear media position directly in front.
• Midday sun. It causes squinting and harsh shadows. Use shade over the entrance or choose a morning or late afternoon time.
• No plan for what happens next. Guests should know immediately where to go after the cut.

Getting help with your opening

A ribbon cutting is usually one part of a larger opening. Our team plans and runs opening and inauguration ceremonies in Dubai, including the ceremony plan, VIP protocol, stage and sound, the media area and guest flow. See how a full opening comes together in our Manna Mess restaurant launch case study, or read our grand opening event ideas for what to do after the ribbon is cut. If your project is only starting, our groundbreaking ceremony guide covers the first milestone.