Finding the right fragrance can be problematic at any time of the year, but when it comes to a girl's wedding day, the pressure is really on.
All brides want to smell amazing, so it makes sense to swap the regular favourite that's worn day in day out for something new and special. Of course, it's helpful if the groom approves but more importantly, this is the scent that will also evoke wedding day memories for years to come. So - where does a bride start when it comes to searching for her bridal perfume?
Nick Gilbert from Penhaligon's cites the season, the bride's personality and the wedding bouquet as the three key areas to think about. "Orientals don't fit a summer wedding, and citruses don't fit winter, " he explained to us. "Extroverts should stick to brighter scents, introverts with softer fragrances" and "a white floral fragrance, when holding a bouquet of roses for example, can be somewhat inharmonious".
Layering scents is also a good way to try something different. Debbie Wild, Jo Malone London's Lifestyle Director told us "there are no rules when it comes to mixing and layering scents, except that no more than four scents should be layered with one another... Be lavish with the fragrance and enjoy creating a signature scent".
Some perfumers also offer bespoke bridal fragrance services. All Diptyque staff are trained 'fragrance fitters' and 30 minute consultations can be arranged in their stores (customers are asked to eat chocolate covered coffee beans to "clear the nose" too).
Alternatively, it's often best to stick to your instincts. Gilbert suggests to "wear the fragrance a few times before the wedding on stress free days to make sure you are comfortable in the scent. Shop without your partner or friends, who have different tastes to you. Most importantly though, you should take your time, be guided an expert and trust your own nose: it's you that will be wearing the fragrance!"
Here's a few of our perfume suggestions to get your fragrance shopping started: