Don't know your brut from your demi-sec? Can't figure out which bubbly to pair with your coconut cream-filled wedding cake? Baffled by the difference between champagne and sparkling wine? Don't worry; you're not the first stylish bride to freeze up when selecting a bottle to serve your guests on the big day. To get some expert tips for choosing delectable champagne to pop at the reception, we consulted esteemed sommelier Jerry Cremin, the manager of The Plaza Hotel New York's Champagne Bar and Rose Club. He shared his top picks with us, plus some insider pairing tricks (and the coolest way to serve champagne we've ever heard).

The Crowd-Pleaser

Taittinger Domaine Carneros Brut 2005 

"This well-crafted sparkling wine is bottled and aged for three years before its release, adding more complexity than your typical wine. Its nose offers nice floral hints and its sweet berries and apples linger beautifully on the palate," says Cremin. "For the price point, I feel it offers a nice champagne alternative. It pairs beautifully with hors d'oeuvres, such as crab cakes and salmon cakes, especially when they're spicy and mixed with citrus. It's also versatile enough to be paired with apple or berry cobblers and fruit petit fours." (domainecarneros.com)

Favorite Flute

An earthy sparkling wine like this one deserves a flute with the same handcrafted feel. We love Simon Pearce's Hampton Flute; the company utilizes traditional European glassblowing techniques to create truly homegrown pieces. ($60; simonpearce.com)

Serving Up Savvy

Demoiselle Tete De Cuvee Brut

"This pale, golden-colored champagne has a nice combination of a floral nose, fruits such as green apples and pear, and a nice head of bubbles. Light and easy to drink, this champagne is also moderately priced," explains Cremin. "It's a very nice addition to any occasion, especially a holiday wedding with traditional rich meals, such as roast beef, pork or lamb. Because it's nutty and earthy on the palate, it will go well with a nice cheese platter selection, including my favorite pairing: Manchego cheese." (klwines.com)

Favorite Flute

For a gorgeous, bubbly brut like this one, try a similarly star-kissed stem. Baccarat's Mille Nuits Flutissimo is a stunning addition to any occasion, particularly an outdoor reception under the heavens. ($210; 800.777.0100 or baccarat.com)

The Classic

Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

"To me, this is an absolute classic and my main go-to champagne suggestion at events where one wants to impress," reveals Cremin. "The nose impresses you straight away, and the flavor of vanilla and brioche combined with continuous bubbles will have you remembering the wedding for a long time. What makes this champagne special is its balance between finessed and robust styles; the dominance of Pinot Noir provides a strong structure, and the addition of Chardonnay provides elegance, which makes it an ideal choice as an aperitif or with a meal. I would suggest having this champagne passed as the guests arrive, as the price is rising due to high demand. My favorite pairing with this is smoked salmon, but it's also a superb choice with hard cheeses, creamy pasta and risotto." (veuve-clicquot.com)

Favorite Flute

A stylish champagne like Veuve Clicquot deserves a flute that's just as fashionable; try Christofle's Iriana stemware to create a perfect pair. (Price upon request; christofle.com)

The Rolls-Royce

Ruinart Blanc de Blanc Brut Non-Vintage

"This beautiful Blanc de Blanc is a more expensive option than the other stars I've mentioned, but for those who can afford to have it at a wedding, its smoothness and sophistication is such a wonderful addition," says Cremin. "It's perfect for a summer wedding and made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, which contribute to its almost straw-like color. On the palate it has hints of grapefruit and lemon. The packaging is almost vintage-looking, another reason it would be a regal addition to the wedding beverage list. This particular wine is simply great with alfresco dining of any kind, from vegetables to seafood to sweets. My favorite pairing is a fruit tart; it really enhances the hints of grapefruit." (ruinart.com)

Favorite Flute

Juxtapose this ultra-luxe champagne with a classic (and surprisingly affordable) set of stemware from Tiffany & Co. Their Crystal Cut Champagne Flute is so timeless you'd think it was an heirloom and so accessible you won't feel guilty putting it on your registry. ($35; 800.526.0649 or tiffany.com)

The Finishing Touch

Laurent Perrier Demi-Sec

"With the increased popularity of brut champagne served as an aperitif, I found it necessary to bring back the classic demi-sec to be served at dessert time for the wedding," explains Cremin. "This champagne has a beautifully bright golden color. Its nose emits aromas of nuts and subtle hints of sweet fruits. This full-bodied, rich demi-sec is perfectly paired with a wide array of desserts. My personal favorite is The Plaza's very own mascarpone cheesecake. It also pairs well with foie gras." (laurentperrierus.com/demisec)

Favorite Flute

We love this modern, updated champagne when paired with stemware that's just as contemporary. Try Jean-Louis Coquet's Pythagore in Smokey Gray to add a stylish, minimalist touch. ($90; Michael C. Fina, 800.289.FINA)

Popping the Cork

Not content to just pop the cork? Cremin recommends sabering, a bottle-opening technique popular in France, but rarely used at stateside weddings. Start by using a special champagne saber. Quickly run the edge of the blade along the neck of the bottle before striking the cork and popping it off. Remember practice makes perfect! (When done correctly by a sommelier, very little champagne is lost, but flashy brides should consider dedicating a bottle exclusively to sabering—after all, why open it with pizzazz if you don't want a good deal of spray?)