20 MEMORABLE WAYS TO INCORPORATE SCENT INTO YOUR WEDDING DAY

You will cherish the memories captured in your wedding photos for years to come. But revisiting the smells of that special day can bring those memories back to life. "Experiencing things in the presence of an odor actually increases the intensity of that remembered information when you smell that odor again," says Kendra Cherry, psychology writer and educator.

When planning for the nuptials, incorporate a few of these fun tips for creating scent memories that last:


1. See AND Smell

Purchase a pretty bottle of perfume especially for the event and ask the photographer to snap a shot of it while capturing the bride's "getting ready" details. 

2. Lavender Toss

Instead of rice, hand out dried lavender for the guests to throw. Every time you smell lavender, the memories will come flooding back.

3. A Sprigs of Herbs

Sprigs of mint or rosemary scent the air and add a rustic, fragrant charm to table settings.
 
4. Something Old

Carry some of your chosen wedding-day scent in a gorgeous, antique perfume flask. 

5. Flower Child

Indian brides wear jasmine blossoms in their hair. Why not take a cue from these Bollywood beauties and craft a crown of fresh blossoms instead of the traditional veil -- better yet, choose a flower native to your wedding locale. 

6. Bespoke

Be truly one-of-a-kind: A number of perfumers specialize in creating custom scents for special occasions. Check out Sarah Horowitz Parfum, Sweet Anthem, or Aftelier Perfumes for custom wedding scents. 

7. Smell Me

Offer mini perfume vials as gifts for bridesmaids or bridal shower guests. Many niche and indie perfumers sells samples on their websites, or you can purchase them online at The Perfumed Court and Surrender to Chance. 

8. An Out-of-the Ordinary Bouquet

Open your mind to options available at the farmer's market. Wild strawberries or fresh mint add an unforgettable fragrance to a summer bouquet.

9. Share the Love

Companies like 5-Thirteen Designs offer DIY kits with fine-mist fragrances that are safe to use on most surfaces, including paper and fabric. Scent everything from your invitations to table linens.

10. Perfume Locket

Signature scent meets wedding jewelry -- solid perfume lockets are a perfectly pretty way to keep your scent close to your heart throughout the wedding ceremony. Shop Etsy perfumers For Strange Women and Illuminated Perfume for vintage-inspired solid perfume lockets. 

11. A Scented Surprise

The groom's gotta smell good, too. Surprise him with his own wedding scent on the day of the ceremony.

12. Groom Perfume

Burly grooms can tame their beard with an all-natural beard oil blended with essential oils. Try MCMC's woody, spicy Dude No. 1 Beard Oil. The lucky lady and gent will both swoon over the smell.

13. Signature Scent

Select a new fragrance and don't wear it until the big day (be sure to test it first though). The smell will always bring back memories of walking down the aisle. 

14. Make Your Own

Many companies, such as Perfume Bar Soirees in California, host create-your-own fragrance parties: perfect for a wedding shower or bridal party.

15. DIY Sachets

Create super-cute favors filled with dried flowers, lavender or "fumikou" -- a type of Japanese incense. For an easy option, simply fill muslin bags and add a pretty ribbon. For a more crafty option, sew your own felt hearts. 

16. Tailor a Scent Package

From a cocktail hour scented like mojitos to a winter wedding scented like peppermint, let a fragrance company like ScentEvents tailor an exclusive fragrance experience for your wedding.

17. Aromatic Wreaths

Wreaths scented with fragrance oils create a warm, cozy ambience throughout the wedding venue. 

18. Dried Flowers 

Get creative with dried flowers: sprinkle flowers on every reception table around the centerpieces or scatter them down the aisle.
 
19. Scented Fans

Scented fans make perfect favors for balmy outdoor weddings. Spritz fans with a scent of your choice or purchase delicate sandalwood-scented fans.

20. Fragrance Themes

From the cake and bouquet to the table decor and candles, plan your wedding around a "scent theme." Having a southern wedding? Let the heady scent of magnolia be your inspiration. A west coast soiree? Incorporate the distinctive aroma of eucalyptus throughout the event.

For more wedding inspiration, visit my Wedding | Perfume Pinterest board!

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