Big scissors. They look ridiculous. If you’ve ever seen a local mayor or a CEO awkwardly hoisting a pair of 30-inch shears that look like they belong in a giant’s kitchen, you might’ve wondered if it’s all just for show. It is. But that’s exactly the point. In a world of digital launches and "going live" on Instagram, the physical act of slicing through a thick satin ribbon with large ribbon cutting ceremony scissors remains one of the most effective ways to signal that a business is officially open for business.
It’s weirdly primal. People like to see things get cut.
If you use tiny office scissors, the photo looks like someone is trying to trim a hangnail. It doesn't work for the press. It doesn't work for social media. To get that "hero shot" that local newspapers and LinkedIn algorithms love, you need scale. You need something that catches the light and looks deliberate.
The Engineering Behind the Giant Shears
Most people assume these are just plastic props. Some are, sure. But the high-end versions—the ones used by major real estate developers or the Chamber of Commerce—are actually functional pieces of steel. Companies like C.H. Hanson or Great Lakes Ceremonies have built entire niches around making these tools. They aren't just scaled-up versions of your desk supplies; they have to be weighted correctly so they don't flop over when you hold them wide.
Think about the physics. A pair of 25-inch or 30-inch blades creates a massive amount of leverage. If the hinge isn't tight, the blades will "bypass" each other instead of cutting the fabric. There is nothing more embarrassing at a grand opening than a CEO hacking away at a ribbon that won't give. It kills the momentum. It makes the "big moment" feel like a struggle.
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That's why high-quality large ribbon cutting ceremony scissors are usually made from stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminum. They need to be sharp enough to glide through four-inch-wide ceremonial satin without snagging.
Why Red Ribbons?
It’s tradition, mostly. Red pops against almost any background—brick, glass, or drywall. But lately, brands are getting smarter. They’re matching the ribbon to their corporate identity. If you’re T-Mobile, you use magenta. If you’re a tech startup, maybe it’s a sleek electric blue. The scissors themselves now come with different handle colors—gold, silver, even wood—to match the "vibe" of the architecture.
How to Not Look Like an Amateur
I’ve seen dozens of these events go sideways. Usually, it’s because the person holding the scissors is terrified they’re going to drop them or cut their own finger off. These things are heavy. If you’re the one planning the event, you’ve got to coach your VIPs.
First off, don't just snip. You have to "pose" the cut. You hold the scissors open, halfway through the ribbon, and wait for the photographers to give the thumbs up. Only then do you follow through with the squeeze.
Also, consider the height. If the ribbon is held too high, the person’s face is blocked by their own arms. Too low, and they’re hunched over like they’re looking for a lost contact lens. The "sweet spot" is usually right around the solar plexus. This keeps the face, the ribbon, and those shiny large ribbon cutting ceremony scissors all in the same frame.
The Social Media Impact
Grand openings are content mines.
In the 90s, you did this for a grainy photo in the Saturday edition of the local paper. Now? You’re doing it for a 15-second Reel or a TikTok. The "shimmer" of the blades is a visual hook. It stops the scroll. People recognize the symbol immediately. It’s a universal shorthand for "something new is happening here."
If you’re a small business owner, this is your chance to get "earned media." Invite the local influencers. Give them a pair of smaller "keepsake" scissors if you want, but keep the big ones for the main event. It creates a sense of occasion that a simple "Open" sign just can't replicate.
Practical Logistics: Renting vs. Buying
If you only plan on opening one store in your life, just rent them. Most local Chambers of Commerce have a "kit" they’ll lend to members. It usually includes the scissors, some stanchions, and maybe a roll of leftover ribbon.
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However, if you're a franchise owner or a developer, buy your own. Why? Because the rented ones are almost always dull. They’ve been used to cut everything from thick ribbon to (incorrectly) cardboard boxes. A dull pair of giant scissors is a liability. It makes the cut look jagged. It makes the video look messy.
Buying a custom set of large ribbon cutting ceremony scissors costs anywhere from $50 to $200 depending on the material. It’s a rounding error in a grand opening budget, but it ensures that the "climax" of your event actually works.
Customization and Branding
You can actually get the blades engraved. It sounds extra, but for a high-profile launch—say, a new stadium or a hospital wing—having the date and the name of the facility etched into the steel makes the scissors a permanent artifact. They end up in a shadow box in the lobby. It’s a piece of history.
The Psychology of the Cut
There’s a reason we don’t just untie the ribbon. Cutting is permanent. It’s a "point of no return." Psychologically, it signals to the employees and the community that the preparation phase is over and the operational phase has begun. It’s a transition.
When a group of people—maybe the founders and the local mayor—all put their hands on the handles together, it’s a display of unity. It says, "We all made this happen." It’s one of the few business rituals that hasn't been killed by the internet, mostly because you can't "disrupt" a physical piece of fabric being sliced in half.
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Real-World Examples
Look at the opening of the Burj Khalifa or the massive ribbon-cuttings for Tesla Gigafactories. They don't skip the scissors. Elon Musk has used them. Royalty uses them. Even at the highest levels of global business, the giant scissors remain the go-to prop.
In 2023, during a series of major infrastructure openings in the US, the use of oversized shears became a staple of "Build Back Better" press ops. It’s visual proof of progress. You can talk about "infrastructure" all day, but when you see a ribbon fall away from a new bridge, it feels real.
Maintenance Tips
If you do own a pair, don't store them in a damp basement. They're usually made of carbon steel or plated metals that can tarnish. Wipe the blades down with a microfiber cloth after the event. Skin oils from people’s hands can actually etch into the metal over time if left uncleaned. If the hinge gets squeaky, a tiny drop of WD-40 or machine oil does the trick, but make sure to wipe off the excess so it doesn't stain the ribbon during the next ceremony.
Final Actionable Steps for a Flawless Ceremony
- Test the ribbon. Not all satin is created equal. Some "outdoor" ribbons are actually made of a plastic-nylon blend that is incredibly tough to cut. Do a test snip on a small scrap before the crowd arrives.
- Assign "Holders." You need two people whose only job is to hold the ribbon taut. If the ribbon is floppy, the scissors will just fold it instead of cutting it. The ribbon needs to be "tight as a drum."
- The Countdown. Always do a "3-2-1" out loud. It syncs the photographers and the person cutting. It ensures everyone is looking at the camera and smiling at the exact moment of the snip.
- The "After" Shot. Don't just run away once the ribbon hits the floor. Have the VIPs hold the cut ends and the scissors for one more "we did it" photo.
In the end, large ribbon cutting ceremony scissors are a tool for storytelling. They turn a mundane business opening into a landmark event. They provide the "punctuation mark" at the end of a long construction or planning process. Don't overthink the absurdity of the size—embrace it. The bigger the scissors, the bigger the statement.