As the wedding bells chime and the excitement of the big day draws near, there's one element that often gets overlooked amidst the flurry of planning: the scent that will accompany you down the aisle.
Your wedding day is a sensory experience like no other, and selecting the perfect natural perfume is an essential part of creating lasting memories. As Jessica Kiely, Founder of Sensoriam, puts it, "Choosing a wedding scent is about capturing the essence of your love story in a bottle, creating a sensory symphony that will transport you back to this magical moment for years to come. Naturally!"
So why should you consider a special wedding scent?
The answer lies in the power of scent to evoke emotions and memories. Scientific research has shown that our sense of smell is closely linked to memory and emotion, making fragrance a potent tool for creating lasting impressions. A carefully chosen natural wedding fragrance can enhance the atmosphere of romance and celebration, adding an extra layer of depth and meaning to your special day.
But how do you choose the perfect wedding perfume, especially if you want to go natural?
Emma from Sensoriam explores how she chose her natural wedding perfume with us here.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here at Sensoriam we are all about 100% natural perfumes, so if that is what you are looking for to suit your values and desires, we can help! We have gorgeous, classic and 100% natural perfumes for brides, grooms, and everyone in between! We even have lovely Natural Perfume Bridal Shower & Hens Party events to help you, naturally!
Have a Sensoriam Natural Perfume Bridal Shower or Hen’s Party
10 TIPS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE WORLD
OF WEDDING NATURAL PERFUMES
Start Early: Begin exploring fragrance options early in your wedding planning process to allow ample time for sampling and decision-making.
Consider Your Style: Think about your personal style and the mood you want to evoke on your wedding day. Are you drawn to classic elegance, modern sophistication, or bohemian romance?
Book A Sensoriam Perfume Consult to Help with Your Selection
Match the Venue: Take inspiration from your wedding venue and theme when selecting a fragrance. A light, floral scent may be perfect for a garden wedding, while a rich, woody fragrance would complement a rustic barn setting.
Test, Test, Test: Don't be afraid to try out multiple fragrances before making a decision. Visit fragrance counters, request samples, and wear the scents throughout the day to see how they evolve on your skin.
Consider the Season: The season in which you're getting married can influence your fragrance choice. For a summer bride, opt for fresh, citrusy scents that evoke sunshine and sea breezes. Spring brides may gravitate towards delicate florals, while autumn brides may prefer warm, spicy notes. Winter brides can embrace cozy, comforting fragrances with hints of vanilla and amber.
Think About Your Partner: Consider coordinating fragrances with your partner for a harmonious scent experience. "Choosing complementary fragrances for the bride and groom can create a beautiful olfactory harmony," suggests Kiely.
Don't Forget Longevity: Choose a fragrance with staying power and with a mini size you can have with you all day and night. Look for eau de parfum or extrait de parfum concentrations for maximum longevity.
Mainstream perfumes may last a long time, but they are synthetic chemicals that prolong their scent and life on you, in you and in our environment. Natural perfumes have none of those synthetics. Yes, natural fragrances will not last as long, but most eau de parfum that are 100% natural will still give 4 - 6 hours of scent on your skin. For your wedding we suggest choosing a scent that has a perfume travel size that comes with it so you can have it in your purse to reapply throughout the event. Your chief bridesmaid can have this for you.
Embrace Layering: Experiment with layering different fragrances to create a unique scent that's all your own. You can learn more about layering here.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a fragrance that resonates with you on a personal level. Trust your instincts and select a scent that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and utterly yourself.
Take It on Your Honeymoon: Your wedding fragrance will forever be associated with this special moment in time, so why not bring it along on your honeymoon? "Your wedding scent can become a cherished memento of your honeymoon adventures, evoking memories of love and romance wherever you go," says Kiely.
As you embark on this journey of scent discovery, remember that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing a wedding fragrance. Follow your heart, trust your senses, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of scent. After all, your wedding day is a celebration of love in all its beautiful, fragrant forms.
Do you save your wedding natural perfume just for the day, or wear it before?
Deciding when to wear your wedding day fragrance ultimately depends on personal preference and the significance you attach to the scent. Here are some considerations to help you decide:
On the Day: Many couples choose to reserve their wedding day natural perfume exclusively for their special day. Wearing it for the first time on your wedding day can create a unique sensory experience and enhance the memories associated with the occasion. It can serve as a special ritual, marking the beginning of a new chapter in your life together.
Before the Day: Some couples may choose to wear their wedding day fragrance in the lead-up to the wedding as a way to create anticipation and excitement. Wearing the scent during pre-wedding events, such as bridal showers or rehearsals, can help establish a connection between the fragrance and the upcoming celebration. It can also serve as a comforting and familiar scent during moments of stress or anxiety.
Both Before and On the Day: Others may opt to wear their wedding day fragrance both before and on the day itself. This allows them to enjoy the scent leading up to the wedding while also creating a strong association between the fragrance and the wedding day. It can be a way to extend the joy and excitement of the wedding beyond the actual day and into the days leading up to it.
Ultimately, there are no hard and fast rules about when to wear your wedding day fragrance. It's a personal choice that depends on your individual preferences and the significance you attach to the scent. Whether you choose to wear it exclusively on the day or in the days leading up to it, your wedding day fragrance can serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and commitment you share with your partner.
Do you take your wedding perfume on the honeymoon?
Or choose a new perfume for the honeymoon?
Deciding whether to take your wedding perfume on your honeymoon or opt for a new fragrance is a personal choice that depends on various factors, including your preferences, the destination of your honeymoon, and the significance you attach to the scent.
Here are some considerations to help you decide:
Sentimental Value: If your wedding natural perfume holds significant sentimental value and you want to carry the memories of your special day into your honeymoon, taking it with you can be a meaningful choice. The familiar scent can evoke cherished memories and create a sense of continuity between your wedding and honeymoon experiences.
Destination: Consider the climate and activities planned for your honeymoon destination. If you're travelling to a tropical beach destination, for example, you may prefer a lighter, fresher fragrance that complements the warm weather and relaxed atmosphere. In this case, you might opt for a new perfume that suits the ambiance of your honeymoon destination.
Adventure vs. Relaxation: The type of honeymoon experience you're seeking can also influence your fragrance choice. If you're embarking on an adventurous honeymoon with outdoor activities and exploration, you may prefer a fragrance that is versatile, long-lasting, and suitable for various environments. On the other hand, if you're planning a relaxing beach or spa retreat, you might prefer a scent that promotes relaxation and tranquillity.
Celebrating Newlywed Status: Some couples view the honeymoon as an opportunity to celebrate their newlywed status and create new memories together. In this case, choosing a new fragrance specifically for the honeymoon can add excitement and novelty to the experience, symbolising the beginning of your journey as a married couple.
Ultimately, whether you take your wedding perfume on your honeymoon or opt for a new fragrance is a personal decision based on your preferences and the significance you attach to the scent. Whichever option you choose, the most important thing is to select a fragrance that makes you feel confident, beautiful, and ready to embark on this new chapter of your life together.
Does your chosen scent have a meaning and symbolism beyond its scent?
A wedding has many traditions in each culture. This is also true for certain scents and their meaning, symbolism, custom and benefits. Think about the rose….
Symbolism: Love, passion, beauty, and romance. Roses are often associated with expressions of affection and are considered a timeless symbol of love in various cultures.
Energetic Benefits: Rose is believed to have a calming and uplifting effect on the emotions. It is associated with the heart chakra and is thought to promote feelings of love, compassion, and harmony.
Mood Enhancement: The scent of roses is known to evoke feelings of joy, sensuality, and serenity. It can help reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of well-being and relaxation.
To help you in your scent selection you can learn more about the symbolism and benefits of different scents like Lily, Jasmine, Musk, Oudh and more right here.
How did Kings, Queens, Gods and Goddesses use scent for their special occasions?
Cleopatra
Legend has it that Cleopatra, the famous queen of ancient Egypt, used scent to bewitch the Roman general Mark Antony. During a meeting with Mark Antony on the Nile River, Cleopatra sailed to meet him on a magnificent barge adorned with lavish decorations. As the barge approached, the sails were said to have been drenched in luxurious perfumes, creating an intoxicating aroma that wafted over the water and captivated Mark Antony's senses. It is said that Cleopatra's mastery of scent played a crucial role in her seduction of Mark Antony and her ability to maintain her power and influence over him.
Court of Louis XIV
Louis XIV of France, also known as the "Sun King," was renowned for his love of luxury and extravagance. In the grandiose court of Versailles, scent played a central role in the king's elaborate rituals and ceremonies. Louis XIV surrounded himself with a perfumed court, where every aspect of daily life was infused with fragrance. From scented gloves and fans to perfumed fountains and gardens, scent was used to create an aura of opulence and refinement befitting the king's royal status. At official weddings and celebrations, the air would have been filled with the intoxicating fragrances favoured by the king and his courtiers, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and sophistication.
Goddess Aphrodite
In Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite, the embodiment of love and beauty, was said to have a special connection to the myrtle tree. According to legend, when Aphrodite emerged from the sea foam, she was crowned with myrtle blossoms, symbolising her divine beauty and allure. The myrtle tree became sacred to Aphrodite, and its fragrant leaves and flowers were used in rituals celebrating love and fertility. It was believed that the scent of myrtle had the power to evoke passion and desire, making it a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and romantic celebrations. Couples would adorn themselves with myrtle garlands and wreaths as a symbol of their eternal love and devotion, invoking the blessings of Aphrodite for a happy and prosperous union.
These historical stories illustrate the profound significance of scent in shaping cultural traditions, religious rituals, and personal relationships throughout history. From the seductive allure of Cleopatra's perfumed sails to the opulent splendour of Louis XIV's perfumed court, scent has always held the power to captivate the imagination and evoke the deepest emotions.
