Just one of the (many) decisions facing a bride-to-be.
Some say it’s the best day of your life and I have to ask – exactly how are you meant to know what you want to smell like on such a major occasion?
For many, a wedding only happens once and as a bride-to-be, you want to make it as special as you can down to every last detail.
I’m recently engaged and coupled with that, I’m probably the most indecisive person you’ll ever meet (slight exaggeration but you see where I’m going here).
So while it’s all very exciting, I also don’t have a clue where to start.
Rather than get my own shit together, I’m starting with what you might call safe subjects and bridal perfumes seems a good a place as any.
For some brides-to-be, there’s no question and they’ll go with a much-loved favourite that holds special memories, it might even stand for the ‘something old’ but others want a new perfume because forever after, it reminds them of their wedding day.
Coty Luxury National Training Manager Paul Benbow has the inside take on current bridal fragrances and what notes most commonly feature.
“Very often, white florals are a bride’s preferred choice. They are bright and sparkling with a touch of femininity. Lilies and jasmine are hugely popular, fused with soft fruity notes and blended with warm, delicate woods or musks.
“When choosing a bridal scent, it can often be a beautiful touch to select a fragrance that captures particular flowers which are to be used on the big day, whether it be something in the brides bouquet, the men’s buttonholes or even the floral arrangements at the various venues being used.
This adds a personal touch where the fragrance is concerned, and is often something brides overlook, but once they’re made aware if this, the selection process becomes a little more interesting and meaningful”.
Paul also notes some three wedding day scents that are currently proving a hit with brides.
“Calvin Klein Eternity, a beautiful rich white floral scent, born from a love story and is still with us over 30 years on. The Chloe original Eau De Parfum blends the traditional Rose note with a modern twist of Amber. Tiffany Signature is a recent addition to the fragrance portfolio but it radiates glamour and helps a bride to sparkle with Green Mandarin, Iris and Musks”.
In terms of prices then, you’ll find something to suit every budget.
Chloe Signature EDP is €82.60 for 50ml, Tiffany Signature includes two options – 30ml at €66.00 and 50ml at €91, as does Calvin Klein Eternity with 30ml for €44.50 and 50ml for €63.50.
There also some scents that work really well for winter weddings – a warm, comforting fragrance is ideal for November/December celebrations.
Fragrance & Lifestyle Expert for Jo Malone, Emma South says:
“There are three main points to keep in mind: your day, your fragrance tastes and how you want to feel.
“Depending on your day, the setting, season, flowers, colours etc. you might find you are drawn to scents that capture these details. For example, with spiced ruby fruits and lingering woods, Pomegranate Noir is perfect for a winter wedding.”.
The Cologne Intense range from Jo Malone also offers some gorgeous winter scents with Tuberose Angelica (€135 for 100ml) the perfect warm and inviting bridal perfume.
Moving on then Stories by Eliza Grace, a perfume brand that’s come to prominence recently. Tonya Kidbeggs, a fragrance designer from Belfast, has created a luxury brand that first came to life through reliving some of her childhood memories.
The floral elements of STORIES No.02 are reminiscent of days spent in her grandfather’s greenhouse, with the distinct smell of tobacco pipe smoke weaving its way through the fragrance.
A comforting, slightly spicy scent, it’s the perfect winter perfume and the ideal choice for a bridal fragrance that will stand out.
Bergamot, Bulgarian rose, ginger, cardamom and green tea work in tandem and are beautifully balanced by tones of honey tobacco and cedarwood, lending to a distinct woody scent. Opoponax, tonka bean and patchouli further enhance the darker, muskier undertones, a scent that will have people asking “what you’re wearing” and a smell you’ll forever associate with one of the biggest days of your life.
Prices range from €140 for 100ml, €94 for 30ml, €58 for 15ml and €6 for 2m and it’s fair to say that the sample size is a great idea, allowing you to try before you properly invest.
Picking the perfect wedding day fragrance isn’t the easiest of tasks but it’s definitely something you’ll have a lot of fun doing.
