How to Pop Champagne at Your Wedding: A Guide to Capturing the Perfect Shot
As a wedding photographer, one of my absolute favourite shots to capture is the champagne pop! There’s just something about that exhilarating spray and the joy on your faces that makes it such a magical moment. Over the years, I’ve seen some epic champagne pops and, admittedly, a few disastrous ones. But don’t worry, I’m here to share my top tips to ensure your champagne pop is picture-perfect.
Why Champagne Popping is So Much Fun!
First off, let’s talk about why popping champagne at your wedding is such a blast. It’s not just about the bubbly. It’s about that shared moment of excitement and celebration, the laughter, and the sheer fun of it all. Plus, the photos always turn out fantastic – full of joy and spontaneity.
Tips for the Perfect Champagne Pop
1. Buy the Cheap Stuff
Don’t splurge on the expensive bubbly for this shot. You’re going to be spraying it into the air, not sipping it. So, grab a bottle of something affordable. If you want some close-up shots of the bottle beforehand, make sure the label looks nice.
2. Get Close
When it’s time to pop the champagne, stand right next to each other. The person not doing the popping should touch the champagne popper in some way. It makes the shot more intimate and connected.
3. Pop and Shake
Carefully take the cork out of the bottle and place your thumb over the top. Then grab the bottle with both hands and shake it like your life depends on it! Seriously, shake, shake, shake… and then shake some more. This builds up the pressure for a fantastic spray.
4. Point the Bottle Slightly to the Side
Aim the bottle just to the left or right of your photographer. It’s perfectly fine to aim it towards us, but a little to the side helps us avoid a champagne shower (though I always come prepared with a long lens just in case!). And if you’ve got guests nearby, aim carefully—no one wants to be sticky with champagne all night!
5. Keep Smiling!
This moment is over in a flash, so remember to keep smiling, which will be easy to do, because it’s so much fun! Look at the spray, not the photographer. Your natural excitement and joy will shine through in the photos.
6. Bring a Couple of Bottles
Consider having a couple of bottles on hand. The moment goes by so quickly, and having a backup allows us to capture different angles and reactions. It’s a small part of your day that only takes a few minutes but adds so much fun to your wedding memories.
Elevate Your Drink Service
If you want to take your wedding drink service up a notch, you’ve got to chat with my friend Trish from The Little Bar Cart. Trish is a total pro at popping champagne, and her service is amazing. The Little Bar Cart is this adorable mobile bar that can be set up pretty much anywhere, indoors or outdoors. Their custom-designed, hand-built cart is seriously charming and the team is always on point, making sure everything goes smoothly.
Trish and her crew make everything so easy. They handle all the setup, saving you time and stress. Plus, they can customise the drink menu to match your style, offering beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, and even non-alcoholic options. Trust me, having their cute-as-a-button Bar Cart at your wedding will be a hit with your guests!
So, if you want to add a little extra sparkle to your big day, definitely look into The Little Bar Cart. Your guests will love it, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about!
Popping champagne at your wedding is such a delightful and celebratory moment. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a fun and memorable experience that translates beautifully into your wedding photos.
