Ahead of THE GLOSS Wedding Salon at The Merrion Dublin on March 23, here’s all the wedding scents you need to know …
The scent you wear on your wedding day has an extra resonance as it will always remind you of this fleeting occasion: nothing else, even photographs, has such power to transport you back to a moment in time. I wore Serge Lutens A La Nuit for mine, a jasmine perfume that felt silky on the skin and was present without ever being too heavy; to smell its sultry, gorgeous warmth now is the most visceral reminder of a precious day.
If you already have a signature scent that you always wear, then all well and good – as with your hair and make-up, you want to be yourself on your special day, so stick with what you know and love. Another option is to save your favourite: one friend who works in the beauty business adores Les Beiges from Chanel’s Exclusifs line so much that she saves it for only the most momentous occasions.
But it’s lovely to find an exiting new scent, too. Amidst wedding planning, make some time for a consultation to find a perfume that will always remind you of this time in your life. A friend had a great experience at Jo Malone London with her partner, choosing scents for them both to wear; English Pear & Freesia Cologne. I recommend the Frederic Malle counter at Brown Thomas Dundrum in Dublin, where consultants can talk you through the variables. Your difficulty will be choosing just one, from beautiful-on-everyone Portrait of a Lady by Dominique Ropion for Frederic Malle, to icily sophisticated Iris Poudre (also available as a hair mist, as is Lipstick Rose). Malle scents are both striking and long-lasting, so they’re ideal for all day. In fact, Brown Thomas offers Bridal Beauty Consultations with instore experts to take you through make-up to scent, so it’s a good one-stop shop. Also head to Parfumarija in Dublin’s Westbury Mall for expert advice from Marija and her team.
If I had to do it all over again, I’d choose Cloon Keen (see other exquisite CK alternatives here), Chanel Coromandel or Sycomore, or Portrait of a Lady. What did you wear for your wedding? We’d love to know: email us at digital@thegloss.ie.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDAL SCENTS
Cloon Keen’s La Bealtaine is a glorious celebration of spring. This bright, airy blend of bergamot, neroli and angelica, with a heart of Egyptian jasmine absolute and Turkish rose oil, with a smooth musky base, will uplift you throughout the day. €130 (refillable).
Prada’s Infusion d’Iris eau de parfum at Dublin & Cork Duty Free (€131) is light enough not to compete with your bouquet. Perfect for the wedding party, too.
Consider wearing a lighter version in the day and going richer for the evening: Ormonde Jayne’s Vanille des Afriques, with Madagascan vanilla absolute, say, and then sultry patchouli and cedar-based Ambre Royal for night. From €55.
Amouage Guidance eau de parfum is ultra-feminine, with top notes of pear and hazelnut, a heart of saffron, rose and jasmine, and a woody vanilla base. €365, at Brown Thomas.
Burberry Her eau de parfum intense is a memorable new gourmand scent with woods, orange blossom and a soft pink hit of wild strawberry. €142, Dublin and Cork Duty Free.
Kilian Angels’ Share features rich notes of cognac oil and tonka bean with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, praline and candied almond. Refillable. From €230, at Brown Thomas.
For something bright and breezy – think lemon, juniper, mineral and woody notes – how about Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau Givrée. It may be designed with men in mind, but it’s wearable by everyone. A great unpredictable choice with a modern twist. From €104 (refillable).
You might also want to think about scenting the room for your wedding: the dream would be Cire Trudon’s diffusers or room sprays (they look as great as they smell). Choose from Reggio (Calabrian citrus) and Maduraï, a luxurious blend of Indian jasmine and ylang-ylang. Expensive, but refillable, so they’ll last. Belles Matières diffuser, €175 (refillable), is also available at Envoy of Belfast, with room sprays at €195.
We may earn commission if you buy through affiliate links on our site.
