Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Rentals: A Checklist

Grand openings are short and photographed. A good one has a clear stage, a visible ribbon and enough room for guests to see the cut. A bad one has the ribbon hidden behind a crowd or a podium too far from the door. The rental list is small compared with a wedding, but the order of operations matters because the building often isn't finished until the last minute.

The ribbon-cutting layout

Rental list by guest count

Seats for dignitaries and older guests are enough; the rest stand. A grand opening usually runs 15 to 30 minutes of program and an hour of mingling.

Stage and podium

A low stage (12 to 24 inches) gives the owner, mayor or chamber president visibility. Provide a podium, a mic and a speaker if you expect over 50 guests. Add a mat or carpet and a skirted front. A "red carpet" runner about 3 feet wide leads guests to the door and photographs well. Measure the walk and order a runner that is at least 10 feet long.

Ribbon, scissors and props

Use a wide ribbon with a bow, giant scissors if you want drama and a small table for the scissors and a mic. Test the ribbon tie so it cuts cleanly. Place guests so the cutters stand shoulder to shoulder and the photographer can get the whole group. Do a rehearsal.

Refreshments

Light bites and drinks work: coffee, water, cookies or small plates. A 6-foot table with a cloth and a chafing dish or a drink dispenser keeps things simple. Put the refreshment table away from the door to prevent a clot. If you serve alcohol, check the city's rules about sidewalks and the liquor license, and ask your caterer for guidance.

Permits and the sidewalk

If your event spills onto a public sidewalk or street, you may need a permit. In Chicago, public way use is managed by the city; in suburbs, the village or city hall handles it. We haven't verified the rules for any specific location, so call your municipality early and ask about sidewalk use, tents, signs and temporary street closures. Your building landlord may also have rules for events at the entrance.

Chairs and style

Cross-back chairs feel welcoming for a neighborhood business. Ghost chairs suit a modern boutique. Velvet chairs fit a high-end showroom. Use matching cloths on tables and a branded backdrop. For a larger backdrop, see corporate event photo backdrop guide.

Make the cut photograph well

Photos from a ribbon cutting appear in local news, on social media and in the chamber of commerce newsletter, so plan the shot. Stand the cutters in a line in front of the door with the ribbon at waist height and the sign visible behind them. Keep the crowd behind the photographer, not beside the cutters. A backdrop or banner that lists the business name and the date helps captions. If you have two photographers, put one at the front and one at an angle. Do the cut twice if the first attempt gets blocked, and ask guests to hold back for a moment while the photo is taken.

Power and sound

A small speaker and microphone are enough for 100 guests outdoors, but they need power or a battery. Ask the building whether you can use an outlet near the door, or bring a battery speaker. Tape down any cords on the sidewalk and keep them away from the red carpet.

Weather plan for Chicago

Openings in spring and fall can be windy or rainy. A tent or canopy with sidewalls keeps the program on track, and sandbags or ballast prevent canopy lift. In winter, plan heaters where permitted and shorten the program. Ask a tent provider about wind limits and weight requirements. See tent permit in Chicago.

Plan the whole rental list in one call

Tell us the address and the date, and we'll price the stage, tent and seating together. Book a free 15-minute seating call and we'll help you build the full list, or request a quote with your guest count, date and venue.