Ask a Pink Lady: Wedding Fragrance

You snagged the groom. You found the dress. You selected the shoes and accessories. Now, you need to find the perfect fragrance to wear on your big day! Admittedly, this may be fairly low on your list of priorities. If you are like most brides, it likely will be something you remember to pick up less than a month away from the wedding. Or, perhaps you plan to wear a fragrance you have always worn. Either way, be sure to consider the following before you douse yourself in just any fragrance on your wedding day!

1. Check out perfumes in your local boutique or store.
Test the samples on your skin, but do not test too many! It is easy to get confused with multiple scents floating around. Have your future hubby or best friend help you find one to purchase!

2. Know how to put perfume on effectively.
Fragrances smell strongest when placed on your pulse points – the warmest parts of your body. This is why we place fragrance on the neck and wrists. Other places are a good bet too, like in the hollows on the back of your knees, in the creases of your elbows, between your breasts, and through your hair. Choose the spots wisely – you don’t want to choke people! Also, make sure you do not rub your wrists together after applying. Gently pat wrists together to avoid the scent diminishing quicker.

3. Test fragrances before the big day.
This means to spritz it on wherever you plan to wear it, and go about your day with it on. This gives you an idea of how long it will last, if you are allergic to it, and how it reacts with your body’s chemistry. More importantly, though, is how you feel after smelling the scent all day – and how others around you (namely your future hubby!) react to it. If you begin to feel light-headed or unhappy, and others around you grimace when you get close, it is a no-go. Scents can be a powerful thing! Keep testing until you find the right balance.

Not sure about the difference between legit parfume and body splash? Not to worry. Check out the list below to learn!

Parfume – People refer to this category when they say “the real stuff.” It has the highest concentration of scented oils so is naturally more expensive. It also lasts the longest. On average, one application of a parfume that is 15% to 30% scented oils would last around 6 hours.*

Eau de Parfume – Not quite the real deal, but this spray lasts the longest next to parfume and on average contains 8% to 15% scented oils. One application can last around 3 to 5 hours.*

Eau de Toilette – This is a more watered-down version that normally comes in large plastic spray bottles. You will find that these fragrances hold an average of 4% to 8% scented oils and last between 2 and 4 hours.*

Eau de Cologne – I lovingly refer to this category as the training wheels of the perfume world. It is neither too strong nor too weak. You will find this category has 3% to 5% scented oils and lasts approximately 2 hours.*

Body Splash – This contains the lowest amount of scented oils, and they leave only a very soft hint of fragrance behind after a few minutes.

It is always important to remember that many people will be hugging you throughout the day and dancing next to you. Some may even be allergic to fragrances! Staying on the lighter side of fragrance choices will likely be the best bet for both you and your guests. I suggest lathering your fragrances with body wash, lotions, powders, and sprays all in the same scent. This keeps a softer scent lingering longer!

Which do you choose? Are you a real-parfume girl, or do you just want a light, refreshing scent on your special day? Whatever you decide, make sure it is not overpowering – and that you will be thankful to still smell it well into your reception!

*Fragrance concentrations and lasting times obtained here.

Perfume Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Girl Testing New Scent Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net