Brand new wedding fragrance...

To all of you brides and grooms out there, one of the things you may want to consider in your planning is a wedding scent. The scent should be calm and joyful and whenever you smell it, you will remember your wedding.

If you want to try something new, be sure to start experimenting the perfume at least a month before the wedding so that you are certain it is a scent you'll both enjoy. To make the most of your shopping trip, decide in advance what kind of fragrance you like (floral, fruity, woodsy or oriental). Ask for samples in that category only, and limit your sampling to four or five scents per visit. An excellent type of fragrance for a wedding is something light and airy. Remember, you do not want the fragrance to be competing with anything, just complementing your gown, hair, jewelry, and so on.

The one problem that most brides will agree to is that while the fragrance is perfect at the beginning of the ceremony, by the time the reception begins, the fragrance has faded. The best option is to use perfume, which has more of a fragrance oil, and then apply it to a small cotton square that can be tucked into your bra. This will keep the fragrance next to the skin and warm, keeping the scent fresh. I complied the following list of some of my faves and some of the best sellers from Sephora (apparently we're getting one here soon in Vancouver) but for now you can find them online at www.sephora.com or the closest store is in Lynwood, at Alderwood Mall.

FLORAL SCENTS

Vera Wang by Vera Wang

Vera Wang has captured desire in a modern, floral bouquet. The first encounter is a flirtation that begins with Bulgarian rose, calla lily, and mandarin flower. The flirtation is followed by a passionate kiss of gardenia, lotus, iris, and white stephanotis. The fragrance is wrapped in a final embrace of sheer musks, white woods, and precious floral nectar.

Notes:

Bulgarian Rose, Calla Lily, Mandarin Flower, Gardenia, Lotus, Iris, White Stephanotis.

Versace  by Versace

The floral, vibrant, and sensual bouquet of this new scent contains fresh, sparkling floral notes and a soft, velvety sensual finish. A transparent radiance reveals fresh dew drops sweetened by a lush hydroponic guava and hints of blackcurrant, all of which harmonize with touches of wisteria. The sumptuous and floral heart represents the true signature of the perfume, a sensual floral explosion of light and vibrant flowers: orchid, lotus flower, and nymphea delicately emphasized by a gentle marriage of jasmine and azalea. The timeless fragrance is finally enveloped by the silky softness of a veil of musk, wrapped up by the preciousness of warm and delicate kashmirwood and Moroccan cedarwood, revealing their magnificent sensuality.

Notes:

Living Dew Drops, Icy Black Currant, Purple Wisteria, White Lilac, Lotus Flower, Living Orchid, Angel White Jasmine, White Lights Azalea, Snowbird Azalea, Musks, Cedar, Cashmirwood, Amberwoods.

Champs-Elysees by Guerlain

The Champs-Elysees, birthplace of the House of Guerlain, inspires a fragrance that captures the spirit of Paris at play. Sparkling and vivacious, with fresh mimosa, crushed rose petals, and tart cassis berry, Champs-Elysees was created for the woman who follows her own instincts with confidence and spontaneity.

Notes:

Mimosa Leaves, Rose Petals, Cassis Berry, Almond Blossom, Hibiscus Seed.

FRUITY SCENTS

Be Delicious by DKNY

A modern feast for the senses. Served in a sleek metal and glass apple bottle, this juicy fragrance combines the scent of apple with a sophisticated blend of exotic flowers and sensual woods. Like the city that inspired it, Be Delicious celebrates individuality with refreshing spirit.

Notes:

American Apple, Cucumber, Grapefruit, Candid Magnolia, Tuberose, White Muguet, Rose, Violet, Sandalwood, Tender Skin Accord, Blonde Woods, White Amber.

Privet Bloom Eau de Toilette by Hampton Sun

Hampton Sun Privet Bloom is a delicate floral scent that captures all the splendor of summer in the Hamptons. It's a fresh blend of lemon verbena, dune rose, sea grass, and captivating privet blossom.

Notes:

Lily of the Valley, Lemon Verbena, Jasmine, Dune Rose, White Hyacinth, Privet Blossom, Low Sea Grass, Sun-Warmed Musk, Blue Plum.

Eau de Cartier by Parfums Cartier Paris

A creation for her, to be worn unreservedly, generously, naturally. A different form of seduction. A kaleidoscope of sensations - fresh, soft, and full of vibration. Based on aromatherapy but not classified as such. A paradox.

Notes:

Yuzu, Bergamot, Violet Leaves and Flowers, Musk, Lavender, Cedarwood, Patchouli, Amber.

WOODSY SCENTS

Black by Bvlgari

Designed for both men and women, Black is Bvlgari's ultimate tribute to the fragrance world. It expresses the pure essence of metropolitan design. Black is about New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, or Tokyo's great sidewalks, their smooth, concrete buildings, and steel platforms. Black is a metropolitan attitude, a choice that allows freedom of expression that is not trend-spotting but self-explanatory. Black is not looking for universal approbation.

Notes:

Black Tea, Spices.

rush by Gucci

Introduced in 1999, Gucci Rush is a fantasy to be reached through an intoxicating, addictive combination of florals and spices. A sensual burst unlike any other.

Notes:

Gardenia, Freesia, Jasmine, Vanilla, Patchouli.

Vetiver by Guerlain (mens)

Inspired by the outdoorsman whose presence evokes the richness and warmth of the earth, Vetiver captures the freshness and vitality of nature. An invigorating fragrance whose magic combines a very fresh note with a woody, spicy aura.

Notes:

Vetiver, Nutmeg, Pepper.

ORIENTAL SCENTS

Shalimar by Guerlain

Guerlain's most successful and enduring fragrance was created by Jacques Guerlain at a time when fascination with the Orient was sweeping Europe. Inspired by the love of an Indian Emperor for his magnificent wife, Mumtaz-Mahal - for whom the Taj Mahal was built - Shalimar is named after "The Gardens of Shalimar," where their love grew. A deliciously fresh flight becomes hazy and sensual when the vanilla and powdery notes of its sweet, sensual base are discovered.

Notes:

Bergamot, Lemon, Jasmine, Rose, Iris, Incense, Opopanax, Tonka Bean, Vanilla.

Kenzo Amour, Indian Holi by Kenzo

Kenzo introduces KenzoAmour Indian Holi, a limited-edition fragrance inspired by a festival of colors, love, and life. A musky floral fragrance, rose and red berries add a joyful twist to the gentle rice, musk, and frangipani blossom notes of KenzoAmour.

Notes:

Rice Steam, Cherry Blossom, Incense, Rose, Red Berries, Frangipani Blossom, Peony, White Musk, Sandalwood, Vanilla Infusion.

Obsession for Men by Calvin Klein

Is the pure essence of masculinity. Potent, powerful, and intensely provocative, this scent is a compelling blend of botanicals, spices, and rare woods.

Notes:

Mandarin, Bergamot, Lavender, Myrrh, Clove, Nutmeg, Amber.

Perfume or Cologne?

Fragrance is all about concentration -- not yours, the fragrance's. More concentrated formulas should be applied lightly to pulse points. Lighter blends can be applied all over without offending your reception line.

• Perfume -- Very concentrated; use sparingly.
  
• Eau de Parfum -- Very concentrated, but weaker than perfume; pulse points only.
  
• Cologne -- Half as strong as perfume; pulse points or lightly spray.
  
• Eau de Toilette -- Generally weaker than cologne; spray.
  
• Body washes, splashes and mists -- Very weak; spray all over for a light scent.
  

A word about essential oils. While these wonderful scents are great for room fresheners and sachets, generally they must be heavily diluted before they are worn directly on the skin. Some are so potent they can cause a rash. If you love a particular essential oil, you're better off finding a skin fragrance that incorporates its scent. 

Sweet Smelling Safety Tips

Try on your fragrance ahead of time to make sure you're not allergic. 

Don't have your flowers and perfume compete. If you have an abundance of aromatic buds (stargazer lilies, gardenias, roses or jasmine), opt for a subtler, floral fragrance. Your man will still pick up the scent when you are alone together at the end of the aisle. 

On The Big Day

• Keep it light! The higher your body temperature, the more potent the scent.
  
• Stick to body mists and lotions. They have lower perfume concentrations.
  
• Spray on your fragrance before you step into your dress.
  
• Apply heavier perfumes sparingly to your pulse points.
  
• Reapply fragrance to pulse points throughout the day but be sure to keep fragrance away from your dress!
  
• Steer clear of sprays that may stain fabric.
  

Now I do have a suggestion for all of the Mr and Mrs's to be in the Langley area... It may not be the most romantic scent but trust me it's one that will save you on your wedding day! Enjoy the photo!!

~Amy