Best Champagne for Grad Photos (and How to Get the Perfect Spray)
If you’re planning a champagne spray during your Virginia Tech grad photo session, the goal is simple: a big, dramatic burst that looks amazing in photos. The good news is you don’t need expensive French champagne. For photos, a basic Brut Champange works great and sprays just as well as the fancy stuff. Save the expensive bottle for celebrating later. Of course you might want a more expensive bottle because of how they look!
What bottles to buy
Look for Brut Champagne. “Brut” means dry, and these bottles tend to have stronger carbonation and a better spray. Good, easy-to-find options include Andre Brut Champagne ($6.99), Cook's Brut ($7.99), J. Roget Champagne Brut($10.99), Korbel Brut ($14.99). Kroger in Blacksburg usually carries these, but during graduation season they can sell out quickly, so it’s smart to grab a bottle ahead of time rather than the day of your shoot.
How to shake and spray the bottle
- Don't shake the bottle before removing the cork!
- Point the bottle away from your head/eyes and others, then remove the foil wrapper and wire cage if there is one.
- Remove the cork by slowly pushing it up with your thumbs or twisting off the cap.
- It won’t come shooting out.
- Now, put your thumb over the bottle opening.
- Put your other hand under or on the bottle.
- Now shake it, shake, shake, shake!
- Your thumb won’t be able to hold back the carbonation, so let it come out just a little bit—like spraying a garden hose. That small opening creates the strong spray!
- Don’t stop shaking until it’s done!
- Congrats! You did it!
One last tip
Most people stop spraying after one second. Don’t. Keep shaking and spraying for a few seconds so we can capture the full celebration. If you want to play it safe, bring two bottles. The first one is the warm-up. The second one is the hero shot.🍾
