It’s May, which means the spring semester is ending. For some, it may mean another summer break beginning before the next semester rolls around, but for others, it marks the end of their college career. It’s bittersweet, and as classes end and graduation looms, there’s one thing almost every graduating senior is doing — taking their graduation photos. You’ve probably seen graduating seniors roaming your campus in their white dresses, button downs, gowns, and caps, taking photos at your college’s most iconic spots. You’ve probably also seen them spraying champagne — a tradition for graduation photoshoots. Some have probably gone better than others: popping and spraying champagne can be a whole production. Here are all the tips and tricks you need to secure that picture-perfect graduation champagne pop.
Choose the right champagne.
Before we even get to the actual process of popping the champagne, you need to make sure you’ve got the correct bottle for it. First of all, you want to go for something cheap. You won’t be drinking this champagne, so it’s not worth it to get something expensive. Plus, there are plenty of great options that are under $20.
The most popular sparkling wines for celebrations include André, Cook’s, and Korbel champagnes, which are all budget-friendly, sitting within the $5-$10. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, Welch’s sparkling white grape juice is a perfect choice. It’s also a good idea to bring a back up bottle — just in case your first attempt doesn’t look how you wanted or you’re taking multiple photos.
It’s also a good idea to choose a screw top champagne bottle, so that you’re not fussing with a bottle opener during your photos.
Tips for popping the bottle.
The first step is getting into your desired position for the photos. Whether you’re solo or in a group, get into the location and position you want before you begin the steps of opening the champagne.
Remove the plastic wrapping around the top of your champagne bottle, and then the cage. Make sure your hands are placed with one hand on the neck of the bottle and the other flat on the bottom, supporting it. Next, pop the cork, and immediately place your thumb over the top — this is what will stop the champagne losing its pressure. Once you’re ready for your snapshot, begin to shake your bottle while still applying pressure with your thumb — and your bottle will spray! Shake your bottle until there’s nothing left coming out, ensuring that your photographer has plenty of time to snap the perfect shot. Also, make sure you’re shaking below your neck so you don’t block your face.
Photographer Brianna McGill explains the process well on her TikTok, comparing the spraying of the champagne to watering plants with a garden hose. She also shares some other great tips for getting the perfect photo, like smiling no matter how much champagne gets into your eyes or hair.
Clean up.
As you know, champagne is sticky, and because you’ll be spraying it everywhere, you’re also bound to get a little messy. It’s a good idea to bring along some wipes (and maybe even a towel) so that you’re clean post-champagne pop.