Bridal bouquets: Romantic perfumes for your wedding day
From classic florals to alternative scents, add a fragrant touch to your special day with these spritzes
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Endless florals, elegant tablescapes, a gorgeous dress, and the anticipation of saying ‘I do’: few memories are as cherished as that of your wedding day. And while the day’s aesthetics are usually well-documented, nothing will help the moment linger in your mind like the fragrance you choose to wear down the aisle.
Your wedding perfume will not only set the mood for the day, but will also act as a powerful time capsule for the future. Olfactory memory is famously powerful for its ability not only to evoke events, but also to convey emotion, so for brides to be, what better than notes of rose, bergamot or cardamom to transport you back to your special day?
When it comes to selecting your wedding day perfume, you want to look for something that’s timeless, long-lasting, and most importantly, very you. While many brides choose to stick to their signature scents, a case can be made for finding a new scent reserved for the big day, and perhaps every anniversary date night after.
Not sure what fragrance to pick? Well, the good news is that there’s an array of options for every kind of bride. From sweet florals for the romantics to spicier scents for city brides, we’ve narrowed down the best wedding perfumes for every type of nuptial.
How to choose a wedding day perfume
A good place to start is your everyday perfumes. Consider the notes they have in common. Do you lean towards citrus scents or musky notes? Are you a fan of vanilla or sandalwood? Opt for personal favourites rather than leaning into trends. After all, there’s no point in plumping for a scent that smells wonderful but ultimately doesn't feel like you.
Still overwhelmed by the choices on offer? Consider the overall vibe of your wedding. Outdoor venues may call for something fresh and vibrant, so look for perfumes laced with floral and fruity notes, while a glamorous city event might require something a little more sophisticated and sexy. You could also tie your scent into your chosen florals for a cohesive theme throughout.
When you do find your special scent, be sure to test it out in advance to make sure it is long-lasting and that you like the way it develops.
The best wedding perfumes
Elie Saab Le Parfum In White
Drawing inspiration from Elie Saab’s glamorous bridal creations, this feminine fragrance is centred around soft, delicate notes of white jasmine and orange blossom. Blended with fruity blackcurrant notes and essence of mandarin, the scent is both seductive and sophisticated. Spritz over the back of your dress and veil (from a distance to avoid stains) to leave behind a trail of florals tinged with vanilla and patchouli as you walk down the aisle.
Byredo Rose Noir
If you’re tying the knot outdoors at a stately manor in the countryside, consider Byredo’s Rose Noir. The creamy concoction features Damask rose blended with violets, jasmine and lilies, as well as hints of cardamom and grapefruit. Decadent and heady, this is a floral scent for brides who don’t do florals.
Houbigant Quelques Fleurs l'Original
Want to smell like royalty on your wedding day? Take cues from Princess Diana. While day-to-day she wore Penhaligons’ Bluebell fragrance, the late royal chose Houbigant’s Quelques Fleurs l’Original eau de parfum to marry King Charles in 1981. The classic multi-floral scent has top notes of bergamot, galbanum, tarragon and lemon with a woody base of sandalwood, cedarwood and civet. You might just be tempted to make this your new signature scent.
Maison Margiela Replica Beach Walk
Whether you’re planning a laidback affair on the Italian coast or a windswept wedding in Cornwall, capture those seaside memories with Maison Margiela’s Replica Beach Walk, infused with bergamot, pink pepper and coconut milk. Want to add a touch of your special day to everyday life? Plump for the matching candle to bring the romance to your home.
Victoria Beckham Suite 302
Trust Posh Spice to bottle up the most glamorous scent for your wedding day. Meant to capture the whirlwind of a weekend in Paris, the intoxicating scent features a seductive mix of black cherry, red peppercorn, rose centifolia and violets to elicit memories of swanky hotel rooms. Black leather and tobacco leaf notes, meanwhile, trail behind to transport you to the smoky haze of an urban wedding.
Jo Malone London Peony and Blush Suede cologne
Calling all classic brides. You can’t go wrong with Jo Malone’s luxurious Peony and Blush Suede cologne. Elegant peonies swirl with red apple, jasmine, rose and gillyflower for a delicately floral fragrance while blush suede adds a sensual finish.
Goldfield & Banks Silky Woods Elixir
If you’re a fan of masculine, woody fragrances, Australian perfumer Goldfield & Banks offers a deep and warming fragrance in its Silky Wood Elixir. One whiff and you’ll be able to detect notes of oud, vanilla, amber and musk mingling with delicate fig and rose for a soft and alluring scent that elicits visions of silk dresses and impeccable tailoring.
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