How Do I Open Champagne?

Do you know how to properly open a Champagne bottle? It’s really not that hard and believe it or not, the pop associated with opening Champagne means that it has not been opened properly.

First, make sure that your bottle has been chilled and all moisture on the outside of the bottle wiped away. Then you removed the silver foil around the cork of the bottle. It is easiest to slit the foil with a knife and then peel away.

Once the foil is removed, it is time to open the bottle. First point the bottle away from yourself and any guests. Even though the cork should not pop and go flying across the room it is still important that the bottle is pointed away from everyone. Hold the cork and loosen the cage with your hand.  You can either remove the cage or just loosen it. Remember to keep a thumb on the cork for safety purposes.

Now tilt the bottle and cover the cork with a napkin. Hold the napkin and cork in place with one hand and this is the important part, now slowly twist the bottle with your other hand. That’s right you twist the bottle not the cork. The cork should make a small popping or whuff noise or you’ll hear nothing at all and off will come the cork.

Now all you need to do is tilt your glass slightly and fill with champagne.

But I Want Rose Petals on My Aisle

Ok, you’re imaging your wedding. In your mind’s eye, you see yourself dressed and ready to walk down the aisle at your childhood church. You look beautiful in your flowing white gown and you step forward to place your expensively shod foot down on a bed of rose petals covering your aisle….hello….wake up….not happening.

Most churches and indoor venues will not allow real rose petals or any other kind of real petals used on your aisle. Why you ask? Well there are a couple of very good reasons.

First, rose petals can stain carpets, especially the red or black magic petals. Crush one in a carpet and that’s a stain that is not coming out. Well "ha ha" you say, my church has a tile floor so I can have them. I wouldn’t bet on it. Flowers petals, once trampled  have a tendency to become very slick, especially on tile. No venue (or their insurance company) wants to take that chance.



Real Petals are a Good Choice For an Outdoor Ceremony but not Indoors.

Make sure you check your venue’s contract carefully as to what they allow and what they don’t. You don’t want to be disappointed on your wedding day.