Perfume for the Occasion: Weddings Part I, For the Guests

Spring is upon us and love is in the air. This time of year seems to usually bring with it a plethora of weddings to attend, so what better topic for Perfume for the Occasion than this? I have certainly been found, with five minutes to spare, franticly searching through my perfume collection to find an appropriate scent. The dilemma: respectfully presenting your best self by smelling and looking good without leaving a horrid waft of scent that not only upstages the bride and groom but makes for a very uncomfortable ceremony for those around you. Therefore, who better to turn to for advice on the matter than your personal Perfume for the Occasion advisors, Divina of Fragrance Bouquet and myself of course! We will break this down into two parts – one for April and the other for May.

In searching for fragrances appropriate for guests, I found that many perfumes I desired to put on this list are also fabulous spring scents. Since most weddings are held in spring or summer, the below fragrances are perfect for those. For a winter wedding, the choices would be drastically different but the idea would be the same: smell good without overwhelming others. Anything you choose should be light, close to the skin, entirely romantic and uplifting and not too sexy.

Outdoor Wedding

My favorite type of wedding is usually chosen by couples longing for something fun and different. Typically, although not always, these affairs tend to be somewhat casual. Therefore, your scent should match the breezy feel of the event and its scenic surroundings. I reserve rose fragrances for the bride, but these lovely florals will suit any guest very well.

Annick Goutal Le Chevrefeuille – Green, simple, light and sweet, citrus-y honeysuckle blended with the most delicate jasmine. What lends this fragrance its outstanding quality is a freshness that never overwhelms others.

L’Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse Aux Paupillons – To match the flowers that surround guests at a wedding, a pretty and cheerful bouquet of a fragrance that spells romance. Be careful to spray sparingly with this one. Everything about its beautiful aroma makes it perfect for an outdoor garden wedding!

Jo Malone Lotus Blossom & Water Lily – A gorgeous, soft yet stunning fragrance, available at counters in May, that I would happily wear to any wedding this spring or summer due to its soft, slightly sweet and altogether classy bouquet. The complimentary Dark Amber & Ginger Lily layered over it easily transitions the scent to an evening reception.

Versace Man Eau Fraiche - Despite its simple packaging, the juice gives a man a clean, fresh scent without too much sillage to overwhelm others.

Indoor, Formal Wedding

For a more traditional affair, your fragrance choice is paramount. In these cases, the ceremony is usually in a church and if that church is very devout it certainly is not a good strategy to wear a bombshell fragrance. If you are on the prowl, please carry your come-hither scent to apply after the ceremony!

Instead of worrying about application in between events, my choices will take you from ceremony to reception with class and finesse.

Chanel No. 5 – Considering most young brides will not choose this scent, you should be safe with the queen of perfumes. Staying close to the skin glorifies her loveliness and makes her perfect for formal, romantic affairs.

L’Artisan Parfumeur Iris Pallida – This soft, woodsy ode to “the keeper of the rainbow” gives me instant class anytime I wear it (that is if I act accordingly), making it perfect for a formal wedding. I would suggest refraining from dancing the “Chicken” or the “Hokey Pokey” when wearing this beautiful fragrance. It calls for grace and style.

Frederic Malle En Passant – What more perfect flower to wear to a wedding than one that connotes first love: the lilac. En Passant epitomizes a quiet and fragile lilac in its soft aroma that surrounds the wearer like soft veil.

Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil – A perfect uplifting, green and fresh scent for those averse to flowers. (I realize most of my choices are florals because I equate them with romance!)

Bond No. 9 Andy Warhol Silver Factory – Again for those averse to flowers, a quiet, intriguing woodsy-incense fragrance that I would be delighted to smell on my husband at a wedding.

Whatever you choose, enjoy yourself and remember not to over spray! In fact, you could wear just about anything if you apply lightly. But if you give as much thought to your fragrance as to your wardrobe like us, the above choices will not lead you astray. What have you successfully worn to a wedding?

Images courtesy of argosycruises.com, christopherplace.com and calgarybanffweddingminister.com