Why I Don't Engrave Champagne Bottles (And What I Do Instead)
I get this question all the time: "Can you engrave a champagne bottle for a gift or special event?"
It makes perfect sense why people ask! Engraving is the perfect way to create a permanent, beautiful keepsake. However, my answer is a firm no, and it's because of a critical safety issue that often goes overlooked.
Who’s this mean girl telling you no? Hi! I’m Sanique, the Miami-based calligrapher behind Sanique and Co. and I help private clients and brands, both well-established and those just starting out, level up their guest and client experiences with calligraphy, engraving, and other forms of calligraphy personalization. So if you’re ready to get in on the action, let’s get connected and start wowing your clients!
The Problem with Engraving Pressurized Bottles
Champagne bottles are under immense pressure. This pressure is what creates those wonderful bubbles and the iconic 'pop' when you open a bottle.
To withstand this force, the glass is precisely engineered and manufactured to be incredibly strong. When I engrave a bottle, candle, or tumbler, a specialized drill physically etches into the surface. This process compromises the structural integrity of the champagne bottle. Even a small, micro-fissure created by the engraving process can, under that massive internal pressure, turn into a catastrophic failure.
In plain terms: An engraved champagne bottle has a significantly increased risk of exploding.
For me, the safety of my clients and the people receiving these gifts is paramount. I will never offer a service that creates a potential, even if small, safety hazard. While other companies may offer this service, I simply cannot recommend it.
My Safe Alternative: Hand-Painted Personalization
So, what do I do instead to create a stunning, personalized keepsake? I use high-quality paint markers or acrylic inks to create beautiful, custom lettering right on the glass. This method offers several key advantages:
Safety First: The paint sits completely on the surface of the glass and does not scratch or compromise the bottle's structure in any way. It's a completely safe method.
Stunning Aesthetic: Paint allows for vibrant colors and a classic, elegant hand-lettered or painted look that truly stands out. It's a completely different and unique aesthetic from engraving.
A Cherished Keepsake: While this method is considered semi-permanent (it can be scraped off with effort or contact with certain products), with careful handling and display, the design will last for years, becoming a treasured memento of a wedding, anniversary, or other special occasion. Most people finish the bottle, clean it carefully, and display it as a beautiful vase or decorative piece, keeping the personalization intact.
For a unique and heartfelt gift, I believe the beauty and safety of a hand-painted design far outweigh the slight benefit of the permanence of engraving.
How Do You Care for Your Hand Painted Bottle?
I’m glad you asked! As the final step, I usually apply a clear lacquer to help the painting last longer. To keep your champagne bottle looking its best, I recommend the following:
Avoid touching the painted surface excessively.
Avoid contact with sharp objects to keep them from scratching the paint.
Avoid contact with harsh products like acetone and rubbing alcohol.
If you need to clean, dust with a soft cloth, no scrubbing!
TLDR: I often get requests for engraved champagne bottles but for safety reasons, I don’t engrave champagne bottles. Instead, I personalize with hand-lettering with either paint markers or acrylic paint.
Interested in commissioning a personalized bottle for your next celebration? To explore the possibilities of working together and safely gift a personalized champagne bottle, simply complete this contact form. I’m excited to work with you!
💙 Sanique