There’s one thing you need to nail before your salon can officially open for business: the grand opening party. Because the grand opening party can set the tone for your salon’s first official day, it’s important to make sure it’s a success. The party does not need to be large, but it should be flashy in order to attract the most attention from potential customers.

It’s also not necessary to spend a lot of money on a grand opening party. To make it all work, you simply need to employ a few effective marketing strategies. Here are some suggestions for making your salon’s grand opening a major event that people will remember for a long time.

• Set the party on the right day.

Make sure your party is scheduled for a day when your neighborhood will be bustling. You can do this by planning your party around local events like art walks and fairs. Make your salon highly visible to attract foot traffic away from these events; for example, a stretch of the red carpet and some velvet ropes in front of your salon can draw attention. That will undoubtedly pique the interest of onlookers.

• Send press releases.

Send press releases to your local newspaper and media outlets about your salon’s grand opening party. Make sure the press release contains all pertinent information, including special events such as giveaways and raffle draws. Indicate the date and time of any ribbon-cutting ceremonies you’re planning. Attract the media’s attention by emphasizing why your salon is unlike any other in the area.

• Have a unique theme for your opening party.

Having a unique party theme is one way to ensure that people remember your salon and its grand opening. Whatever the theme, make sure to go all out, from the costumes worn by your staff to the food served at the party. To make the event more enjoyable, encourage visitors to visit your salon dressed in theme-appropriate attire.

• Join organizations in your community.

Joining community organizations is an excellent way to generate excitement for your salon’s grand opening. Consider joining your local chamber of commerce, which may be able to provide you with grand opening assistance at a reduced cost. You might meet local politicians who would be great guests of honor for your ribbon-cutting ceremony if you join community organizations.

• Make sure the party is organized.

During your salon’s grand opening, you probably have a lot of services you want people to try out. You should have an organized method of moving people through the services to ease the flow of traffic throughout your salon. In the area where each treatment will be held, have a sign-up sheet. You might also consider giving out timed tickets for each service so that partygoers don’t have to congregate in different areas of your salon.

• Distribute giveaways or tokens for party attendees.

Giving away free samples or merchandise is a great way to keep your salon’s name in front of potential customers’ minds. For example, newly opened bakeries will give away free cookies, scones, or doughnuts. If your budget allows, give away goodie bags containing nail polish, lotion, and other haircare or skincare products, as well as coupons for free or discounted salon services.

• Send invitations out in your area.

You can send out invitations to your salon’s grand opening if it is located in a residential area. You can even go door-to-door and personally distribute the flyers and invitations to ensure that everyone receives them. Offer a special discount or a free service to anyone who brings a flyer or invitation to the salon’s grand opening to attract customers. In exchange for the invitation or flyer, collect email addresses so you can begin building your customer list for future promotions and marketing efforts.

• Hold a soft opening.

A soft opening is similar to a dress rehearsal for the grand opening. Holding a soft opening will assist you in ironing out the kinks in your wedding plans. Open quietly and serve the few customers who come through the door. You’ll be able to correct operational issues so that your salon’s grand opening day goes off without a hitch. Customer feedback may also provide you with marketing ideas and areas for improvement.