Ribbon Cutting Speech: What to Say at a Grand Opening (Examples and Scripts)

Most ribbon cutting speeches are too long. The crowd is standing on a sidewalk, the photographer is waiting for the countdown, and the only line anyone remembers is the one right before the blades close. Here is how to say what matters in under three minutes — with scripts you can adapt tonight.

Who speaks, and in what order

1. The host (a chamber representative or the event emcee) welcomes guests and introduces the business — about 30 seconds.
2. An official (mayor, council member, chamber chair), if one attends — about a minute of congratulations.
3. The owner — the main remarks, 60 to 90 seconds.
4. The countdown — led by the host, loud and slow.

Three speakers is the maximum. Every extra voice costs you part of the crowd.

The owner's speech: a five-part formula

1. Thank the room. The chamber, officials by name, family, staff.
2. Say why you're here. One sentence on why you opened this business in this town.
3. Say what you do. In plain words a passer-by would understand.
4. Thank the people who built it. Contractor, landlord, first employees — by name.
5. Invite everyone in. The offer, the hours, and “the doors are open right after the cut.”

Sample script: new retail shop (about 75 seconds)

“Good morning, everyone, and thank you for being here. Thank you to the [Town] Chamber of Commerce, to Mayor [Name], and to my family, who have heard about this shop at every dinner for two years. I grew up four blocks from here, and I opened [Shop Name] because this street deserved a place to find [what you sell]. None of this happens without [Contractor], who finished the build-out two days early, and our first three employees, [Names], who are already better at this than I am. When the ribbon comes down, the doors are open, the coffee is on us, and the first 25 guests get [offer]. Let's cut this ribbon!”

Sample script: restaurant or café

“Welcome, and thank you all for coming hungry. Thank you to the chamber, to [Official], and to everyone who tasted our test menus and told us the truth. [Restaurant] is the kitchen we always wanted in this neighborhood: [one-line concept]. Our chef, [Name], and the whole team have been here since six this morning. When the ribbon falls, the first round of [signature item] is on the house. Three, two, one…”

Sample script: relaunch, remodel or new location

“Twelve years ago we cut a ribbon at our first location, and some of you were standing right there. Thank you for coming back. This remodel is our way of saying we're staying: [what's new]. Thank you to [Contractor], to [Landlord], and to every customer who shopped with us through the construction dust. Come inside and see what we built.”

Sample remarks for the chamber or emcee

“Good morning! On behalf of the [Town] Chamber of Commerce, welcome to the grand opening of [Business]. Every ribbon we cut means new jobs, a new storefront and one more reason to shop local. Please join me in welcoming [Owner Name].”

And for the countdown: “Ribbon holders, pull it tight. Scissors open… three, two, one — cut!” Keep the blades open through “one.” More on staging that moment in our ribbon cutting photography guide.

Five mistakes that stall a ceremony

• Reading a list of twenty names. Thank groups; name only three or four people.
• Talking about loans, permits and delays. Nobody on the sidewalk needs the hard part.
• Handing over the scissors before the speech ends — someone always cuts early.
• No microphone outdoors for a crowd over 30. A small portable speaker is enough.
• Ending on “…so, yeah.” End on the invitation: “Let's cut this ribbon.”

Who holds the scissors?

Traditionally the owner cuts, flanked by officials and the chamber team. For a family business, let two generations hold one pair of scissors together — that is the photo that ends up framed. For group cuts, use several pairs so everyone gets a clean hands shot. 25-inch ceremonial scissors read clearly on camera even from across the street, and our grand opening kits put scissors and satin ribbon in one box. Unsure about size? See the size guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a ribbon cutting speech be?

Sixty to ninety seconds for the owner. The whole ceremony, including every speaker, should stay under ten minutes.

What do you say right before cutting the ribbon?

A short invitation and a countdown: “Thank you all — the doors are open right after this. Three, two, one, cut!”

Who should speak at a ribbon cutting?

Usually a host or chamber representative, an elected official if one attends, and the business owner. Three speakers at most.

Should the speech be memorized?

Know the first and last lines by heart and keep the middle on a card. Nobody minds a card; everyone minds a phone screen.

Planning the rest of the morning? The 30-day ribbon cutting checklist covers everything from invitations to the moment the doors open, and the invitation wording templates are ready to copy.