A step-by-step template for your opening event
A grand opening event should be treated like any other event, which means planning it out effectively. This event may be the first exposure to your brand for many people, so you want to make a good first impression.
Consider this step-by-step template for planning an opening event to help ensure your new business launch is successful.
1. Set the budget for your grand opening ceremony ideas
Keep your grand opening events and expenses realistic. Start by creating a budget for your grand opening. Some things you might need to budget for include:
- Decorations for the grand opening event
- Gift bags for guests
- Giveaway prizes
- Extra samples for products
- Entertainers
- Advertising costs to promote the event
- Signs outside your building to direct people
If your budget doesn’t allow for everything you want, prioritize certain items or think of alternatives. For example, you could select a local DJ instead of hiring a band to perform at your opening. If traditional print advertising is too expensive, look for cheaper digital options or free promotional methods.
2. Decide what will happen at your grand opening event
The main focus of the event is letting guests experience your products or services, but grand openings also typically have special events that draw people in and make it more memorable. Consider what type of events make sense for your business and budget.
Consider including your team in the brainstorming process for grand opening ceremony ideas. Ask employees to share their ideas in an informal brainstorming session or via email. You may uncover unique grand opening ideas, and involving your team can increase employee engagement.
Keep your brand in mind when coming up with grand opening ideas. Ensure all activities align with your core values and brand identity and appeal to your target customer.
3. Set a date and schedule
You may want your grand opening to happen as soon as possible, but don’t rush it if you’re not ready. Your opening event doesn’t have to take place on the first day you open your doors.
When you narrow down the general time, look for conflicts that might affect the success of your event. This includes local events that might pull people away from your grand opening.
4. Prepare your staff
Hire your key employees well in advance of the grand opening, so you have plenty of time to train and prepare them. A structured employee training program gives employees the skills and knowledge they need to pull off a successful open house. They can learn about your products or services, understand your expectations and practice using your POS software and other equipment.
5. Organize your physical space
Your physical space might need some slight changes for your open house. Consider the walkways and how much space you need to accommodate a large number of people. Think about where to set up special displays, demonstrations and activities, leaving enough room for guests to walk around the store.
You might also need to set up extra checkout stations for the grand opening to get people through faster.
6. Verify your inventory and supplies
The last thing you want is to run out of ingredients for your signature dish at your restaurant opening or sell out of your products within the first hour of opening your boutique. Anticipate how many people will attend your grand opening and stock products, ingredients and supplies accordingly. Don’t forget essentials, such as shopping bags, receipt rolls, napkins and silverware, depending on the type of business you’re opening.
Organize your supplies and inventory for quick restocks and easy access. For example, if you anticipate a certain product to be a big seller, have extra stock easily accessible in the back room. When the inventory on the shelves gets low, your employees can quickly restock, so guests don’t have to wait.
7. Anticipate issues
It’s common for things to go wrong or not as planned during an open house. Anticipating the issues that might happen can help you avoid some problems. If you’re planning outdoor activities as part of your grand opening, have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
If you’re planning for a certain number of people, think about how you’ll handle it if you get twice as many. Run through possible scenarios that could derail your plans, and decide how to deal with those issues if they happen.
8. Build anticipation
Start teasing the grand opening early on your social media platforms and website. You might give behind-the-scenes looks at your preparations or a teaser about your entertainment.
If you’re opening a restaurant, you could showcase one menu item you plan to serve at the grand opening. Engage with your social media followers to create excitement about your grand opening event.
9. Promote your grand opening
A mix of paid and free promotional methods can help you reach more people. Include the important details, such as the date, time and location, for the grand opening in all your promotional materials. Some options include:
- Press releases to local media outlets
- Ribbon-cutting ceremony with the local chamber of commerce
- Paid online ads
- Traditional paid print ads
- Flyers and brochures
- Guest posts on local blogs
- Prize giveaways
- Kids’ activities, such as a bounce house or craft table
- Fundraiser for local charity
- Speakers
- Themed costume party
10. Invite people personally
Spreading the news about the grand opening helps you attract more people, but personal invitations can also be effective. You might invite people with a strong local following, such as news anchors, radio personalities or bloggers.
If you’ve already started an email list where people can sign up to receive updates, invite those people directly. A personal invitation makes recipients feel special and might increase attendance.
11. Plan for participant promotion
Get your participants to promote your business to those who missed the grand opening. Inviting local influencers to the grand opening is one easy way to spread the word. Influencers may post while at the event or promote your business later with a recap of the opening night. You could also create a hashtag for your event.
Encourage guests to check in at your business while they’re at the event. You can even turn it into a giveaway—checking in results in an extra entry in your drawing.
12. Consider a soft opening
A soft opening gives you and your staff a trial run to prepare for the grand opening. This option gives your employees a chance to implement what you’ve taught them in training.
You can see the crew in action and identify things that need to change. A soft opening can also allow you to gather feedback from the attendees. You might invite friends, family, fellow business owners and other contacts to the soft opening.
10 grand opening ideas
An effective grand opening event introduces your business to the community, and it can include many promotions and activities. Here are some top grand opening ideas to consider:
- Special sales or discounts: Offer customers opening sales or raffles with free product giveaways.
- Live entertainment: Hire a local band or artist that aligns with your event’s ambiance.
- Local celebrity appearance: Have celebrities or influencers promote your services or products to broaden your brand’s reach.
- Samples of products: Give free samples to the people who arrive first at your grand opening or customers who spend a certain amount.
- Facility tours: Allow customers to see what goes into crafting your product or service while introducing them to your company.
- Special desserts, treats or gifts for guests: Encourage guests to stay longer at your grand opening by offering snacks and beverages.
- Product demonstrations: Market your products with live demonstrations.
- Ribbon cutting: Use a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate your opening, while creating a PR opportunity.
- Block party type event: Attract passersby with an outdoor event, providing exposure to people unfamiliar with your brand.
- Local business partnerships: Partner with other companies, such as a local art gallery that can display artwork at the opening.
Benefits of having a grand opening
Why should you bother with the time and expense of planning a grand opening? The event can kick off your business in a positive way. Some benefits of having a grand opening include:
- Creating awareness: A big event grabs attention and lets people know about a new business in the area.
- Branding: Your grand opening lets you convey what your company represents. For example, you can use it to show you’re dedicated to being a green business or serving charitable causes in the local community.
- Building relationships: Even if you don’t make many sales during the open house, you can meet community members and start building relationships. This can help you develop partnerships with other businesses and start earning loyal customers for your company.
FAQs about grand opening ideas
Is having a grand opening event mandatory?
No, a grand opening event isn’t mandatory. If your budget doesn’t allow for it or you feel you’re not ready yet, there’s no need to have one. You may instead hold an anniversary event or postpone your opening until you’ve been in business for a few months.
What are some unique grand opening ideas that don’t involve an in-person event?
If you don’t want a formal event, consider running a sale or promotion or announcing timed product launches on your social media before you open. Try hosting a virtual event, such as a webinar or video chat party. Alternatively, you can set up a booth at a community event or volunteer for a charity as a team.
