Perfume Prize Draw: One 50ml bottle of Estee Lauder Sensuous from my collection (completely full, save for a 5ml sample that was decanted out of it) and a 5ml sample of Serge Lutens fragrance of your choice.
How to Enter Prize Draw: leave a comment explaining what fragrance you wore for your wedding and why you selected it. Or you can simply offer any musings you like on the subject of wedding scents, whether you are married or not. Each entry will be assigned a number, and a winner will be selected via a random number generator software. The comments section will be closed on at midnight on Sunday Monday. Prize Draw is closed. Thank you to all from the bottom of my heart for sharing your wonderful stories and musings!
The lucky winner is Eric! Eric, please email me.
Image from Weddingbee.
I would wear Chanel #5 for tradition. Or maybe Diorissimo. My mother always wore one of them for formal occasions. Congratulations on your wedding!
Posted by: maitreyi19787 | July 30, 2009 at 14:05
Congratulations! I wore Coco, as it was the fragrance I purchased the day I met my then future husband, and we both love it. Coco continues to be a mainstay anniversary gift 25 years later.
Posted by: rosarita | July 30, 2009 at 14:12
Like Rosarita, I too wore Chanel Coco. It was pretty much the only fragrance I was wearing 16 years ago. Best wishes to you on your engagement!
Posted by: Marsi | July 30, 2009 at 14:43
Opium. It was the first fragrance my husband bought for me entirely on his own. 11 years later he still buys all my fragrances. I just have to keep talking about them every now and then at the dinner table and sooner or later they land on my pillow.
Our wedding was in Bombay in Feb and the weather was like the cool summer we are experiencing this year here. I remember Opium wearing really well in this kind of weather, and with the silks.
Congratulations on your engagement!!
Posted by: gautami | July 30, 2009 at 15:05
I actually don't remember which perfume I wore for my wedding - It was still the beginning of my perfume obsession and I hadn't yet discovered many of the perfumes that I love .I might have worn DK Cashmere Mist or nothing at all. I did wear jasmine flowers in my hair, though..:) But the perfume that reminds me most of my wedding is CdG's Champaca- there is something about it that is so evocative of a summer South Indian wedding. For my sister's wedding (which was a winter wedding-North Indian style)- I think I wore SL's Un Lys (atleast that is what I'd planned on wearing).
I think the choice of perfume would probably depend on where the wedding is. I can imagine Tom Ford's Champaca Absolute working beautifully as a wedding perfume. As would Diorissimo? I would want to wear something that smells beautiful but would also allow me to take in the smells around me..
Actually, I would love to have worn SL's Tubereuse Criminelle..:)
Posted by: Lavanya | July 30, 2009 at 15:11
Sadly, I wore no fragrance. I was concerned about my FIL and Mother who are fragrance sensitive. But over the years, I have realized that it only seems to trigger when I mention that I am wearing a fragrance so I never say what I am wearing around them AND I keep it minimal so it's only noticeable when a person is close to me. But what would I wear now? Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia definitely.
Posted by: Cadence | July 30, 2009 at 15:17
I don't remember wearing any scent for my wedding. It was eleven years ago, and I just recently became interested in perfume. If I were getting married today, I'd wear 31 Rue Cambon. Please enter me in the drawing - thanks!
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 30, 2009 at 16:32
I'd love to be entered into the drawing.
I got married before I really got into perfume (2005), so I ended up wearing the now discontinued Origins Ginger with a Twist because I love citrus scents and my husband is loves ginger -- loves it so much he will eat crystalized ginger by the pound, for example. I like the scent because it was a rather casual evening affair in the attic of a historic brew pub in the fall, and the scent was light, playful, and spicy. I also felt it sort of represented a melding of things I liked and things he liked. I bought se3veral bottles of Ginger with a Twist off Ebay when it got DCed because I still really enjoy it, though, and now it will always have a speciak place in my heart.
If I were doing it again tomorrow, I'd probably pick something like classic like Shalimar or outside the box like Dzing!
Posted by: DianaWR | July 30, 2009 at 16:40
Congratulations! I have never been married but I would pick a scent that launches during the same year as the wedding ceremony; a tandem story of love and fragrance!
Posted by: sara | July 30, 2009 at 16:44
Congratulations! I wore Angel the first time and Narciso Rodriguez EDT the second. Each were the scent I was wearing when I met my husband(s). Even though my first marriage didn't work out, the scent of Angel holds good memories of my family being together for the big event. One whiff of NR EDT and I am with my present husband, just the two of us, in front of the judge and knowing that this is the relationship that will last the rest of my life.
Good luck on choosing a fragrance!
Posted by: moongrrl | July 30, 2009 at 17:56
Congratulations! I did not not wear any fragrance for my wedding as I didn't have an interest in fragrances back then. Today, I would wear Opium, as that is by far one of my most favourite fragrances.
Posted by: MaureenC | July 30, 2009 at 19:10
I have never married, but I have many fragrances that take me back to lovers and heartbreakers from my past...starting with Love's Fresh Lemon, through RL Safari, Isabell's Savanna, up to and including Piguet's Bandit!!! But a wedding is different; it is not about what has passed between you, but rather what is ahead.
If I were to marry tomorrow, I would wear JOY--and expect that my day would be full of joy in every way.
I wish the same for you and your cher ami...best, Julie Ellen
Posted by: Julie Ellen | July 30, 2009 at 19:27
I've never been married, but I think that any perfume I wear on my wedding day would have to be a Dior. Christian Dior has always represented, for me, glamour, elegance, and optimism.
Which Dior perfume? Of course Diorissimo would be a perfect perfume for a wedding – it's so charming and innocent and uplifting. But it's not really "me" – although I like it very well on other people, I've never been moved to buy it for myself. Now, Dior's Dolce Vita was, for a long time, my favorite perfume, and I still do love it. It's so sweet and fizzy and buoyant. And yet. It was the first perfume I purchased with my own money, and when I was younger, I wore it all the time. Consequently it's inextricably associated with all of the best – and worst – memories of my late teens and early twenties. It's hard for me to wear now, for just that reason. Still, given that it's so closely tied to many of the most important moments in my life, perhaps it's appropriate that it be worn on my wedding day as well.
Best wishes on your upcoming wedding. I look forward to hearing more about your own selection. I'm sure it will be perfect.
Posted by: Jemi | July 30, 2009 at 19:33
I wore a cartier fragrance for my wedding. I had planned everything else to a T but forgot a fragrance. It was what one of my bridesmaids was wearing so that is what I wore. It smelled nice if I remember correctly. I honestly cannot think of forgetting such a huge detail these day but at the time it seemed trivial (!!!)
Posted by: Jennifer | July 30, 2009 at 19:57
My wedding was back in 1987, I married my college sweetheart a week after we graduated. I wore Alfred Sung (which was a MUCH nicer frag back then, the current version is nothing like it). Gorgeous white floral, and my sweetie had bought it for me. It was my signature fragrance for quite some time.
He wore Grey Flannel, which I had bought for him. I used to steal it and wear it myself on occasion. :)
Oh, and we're still married!
Posted by: Pamster | July 30, 2009 at 20:09
V, how about No. 22 for the perfect mix of white flowers and swirls of incense? Or Beige, which works just as well in the cooler weather. Or Theorema.. the most sublime winter scent.
For my upcoming (Summer) wedding, I'm thinking of Chanel Beige, Serge Lutens Un Lys or Carnal Flower. It might come down to how I feel on the day :)
I hope you are enjoying the wonderful happiness and anticipation of being engaged!
Posted by: Lily | July 30, 2009 at 20:37
For my first wedding (!) I wore Paco Rabanne's Calandre; it was my signature scent at the time, a huge splurge as I only made $6.23 an hour 20 years ago. I know I had a number of Estee Lauder frags in my collection at the time as well (free gifts-with-purchase from my mother), but Calandre just seemed so--me. No one else I knew wore it or had ever heard of it, and it was only available at one independent department store in the entire city--hence, it was special.
For my second wedding as a much more mature bride, I wore Very Irresistible Givenchy, for the simple reason that my husband-to-be told me he loved how I smelled every time I wore it.
Posted by: Stephanie M. Smith | July 30, 2009 at 20:45
Hi Robin
Soooo exciting MAZALTOV!!!
I forgot if I even wore perfume...but I remember being on such a high...floating energy....a very special time.
So now the first fragrance that come to mind is No 22..The huge aldehyde lift...the calming floating incense around me...
After that, I have to think
Probably no 18, fresh, energetic, edible and classy...but I am a more dreamy person.
mmmm...i seem to be stuck for more.
btw, i made ur chummus....it was devoured by all mu guests!!!thanks
Posted by: hongkongmom | July 30, 2009 at 21:27
Diorissimo for both of 'em! (Neither of which lasted, and I rarely wear the big D anymore, since it seems to belong to a bygone era of my life.) It's hard to know whether to wear an all-time favorite or pick something new that will evoke that day forever more... I wore only Diorissimo for years and thus it was not even an issue what fragrance I would wear for my weddings; now, however, it would be much harder to choose! (Not that I'm planning any more nuptials -- I found out the hard way that I'm not the marrying kind.)
Posted by: Natalie | July 30, 2009 at 22:14
For my first wedding.....(a lot of us are starting like this!) I wore opium which was not appropriate for such a young chick then (I would have thought Beautiful or White Linen would have better suited the zeitgeist) and for my second was Champs-Elysee. What else was available in the small country town I grew up in? Both weddings were before the internet and perfume appreciation really took off. Now that I have discovered perfume, what I would have chosen for that beautiful spring day is MCDI Promesse D'Aube in all its elegant peachy goodness and optimism.
Posted by: emmaflannelflower | July 30, 2009 at 22:41
I would wear the perfume my SO thought was the most "me" =)
Posted by: Josey | July 30, 2009 at 23:28
Well, I wore Tresor. Why? I have always loved perfume, but wasn't quite as "into it" 14 years ago as I am now :) I stand firm in the conviction that you should wear something you love, something that makes you feel good! Whatever perfume you wear that day will be imprinted with strong emotions for some time to come afterwards, so you'd better not mind that happening with the perfume you select. Hope you pick something fabulous and hope your wedding goes great!
Posted by: Lisa | July 30, 2009 at 23:47
I married earlier this year, on the 26th of may (yep, t'was a tuesday ;)). I had originally planned to wear one of the CDG incense series: I was marrying with civil ceremony, and I wanted to playfully (and respectfully) wink at the solemn church rituals. But the days before were all sun and blue skies, so a broody fragrance didn't feel right. Then I thought about Beige: clean and sexy, with that honey note I like so much.
But then, Beige is so well put together...don't know, I wanted something more representative of my personality on such an important occasion.
I didn’t want pretty. I wanted fireworks and easiness… and something thirst quenching because the heat was unbearable that day, and something joyous and slightly creamy that would bloom in the heat, and would smile along with me.
So, before leaving the house, I instinctively chose the fragrance: Frangipani, by Ormonde Jayne!
It was the perfect choice!
Tanti auguri per il tuo matrimonio ;)!!!
Posted by: Zazie | July 31, 2009 at 03:40
I wore Marc Jacobs Splash in Rain. It did rain, but not until after the photographs!
I'd wanted something tropical scented but fresh to go with the tropical theme we had.
I think if I had the chance to do it all over again I would go for Frangipani, by Ormonde Jayne - a friend sent me a sample before the wedding and I didn't have the chance to track it down in time.
Posted by: Pip | July 31, 2009 at 04:26
It was almost 31 years ago... I think the only scent I had on was the smell of nervous sweat, and my wife doesn't remember if she used anything.
An interesting question, though, is whether you'd want matching scents, and what those might be. Maybe today I'd decide to use L'Air du Desert Marrocain by Andy Tauer, and Mari could use his Rose Chypree. I don't know if the smells would match, but at least they're from the same perfumist...
Please enter me in the draw as well.
Posted by: Fernando | July 31, 2009 at 08:19
I wore Pleasures because it was the first perfume he gave to me. I still have a bottle and whenever I smell it, so many memories are brought back! If I were to get married today, I would wear Beige, my new favorite!
Posted by: Sveta | July 31, 2009 at 08:19
I wore Declaration, and my wife wore Chanel No 5. I have no idea why she selected it, because she has not worn it either before or since then. Hmmm, maybe I should ask her. :)
Posted by: Mike D | July 31, 2009 at 08:50
I wore Ellie for my mostly daytime Spring wedding earlier this year. I wanted something that made your heart soar. It came down to a choice between Ellie and Soivohle Honeysuckle Bird, both of which have that quality of pure joy about them and I decided if it was sunny it would be Ellie and if it was cold and wet it would be Honeysuckle Bird which is more potent. It was sunny so it was Ellie. Incidentally, if I had got married in Winter it would have been Promesse de l'Aube for all the reasons emmaflannelflower outlined above. Autumn would have been 31, Rue Cambon and Summer would have been Iris Nobile for exactly the same reasons. Hope that helps.
Posted by: london | July 31, 2009 at 08:58
This is such a fun topic! I am also planning a wedding (next spring), so I read everyone's responses with great interest and loved all of these stories!
I am still deciding about my perfume, but since my favorite flower is a peony, I think that I will wear a fragrance with a strong peony note. If you have any suggestions on peony dominated fragrances, I would love to hear them!
Posted by: Tammy | July 31, 2009 at 09:08
I wore Diorissimo. I was very young when I got married and Diorissimo was the only bottle of perfume I owned. I'd bought it when I was just a teenager, having wandered in to the fabled Colonial Drug Store in Harvard Square in Cambridge MA. They had (and have) all sorts of wonderful perfumes there, but when I smelled Diorissimo, it went straight to my heart. I'd never smelled anything so purely beautiful. The spell it cast was enduring. I've been married for 36 years and still wear vintage Diorissimo parfum on special occasions. although I have many other perfumes now.
I really don't know of any logical process for choosing a perfume that will always be personally meaningful, any more than there is a logical process for choosing a life's partner. Somehow you just know. All my best wishes for a long and happy marriage!
Posted by: Kathryn | July 31, 2009 at 09:19
Oh, the perfect wedding scent is Diorissimo. It's soaring and joyful, as traditional and enchanting as a white wedding gown. Joy is another classic floral that evokes the feeling of blissful celebration.
I wish you a marriage filled with laughter and enduring romance. Congratulations to both of you!
Posted by: Margot | July 31, 2009 at 10:17
Dear Victoria,
Firstly, many congratulations, and what a generous offer!
When I was married for the first time, I had little knowledge about fragrance, but I remember that I wore Diorella. This was only a few years after the fragrance was released, so I think it would be in its original form. I still like it now, and think that the vintage Rene Gruau (I think that's how it's spelt!) ads are really chic. I would love to be that lady...
The second time I married - and this time it's for real - I wore Rive Gauche, and I still love this too (although not so much in its reformulation). I think there's a theme running through here!
Very best wishes,
Linda
Posted by: Linda | July 31, 2009 at 10:21
What perfume did I wear to my wedding? Nothing - I was completely not into perfume at the time of my marriage - it didn't even enter my thoughts, which is shocking to me now! If I was doing it over again, I would wear Ecume de Rose - I was married on top of a cliff in Big Sur overlooking the ocean, and I think it would be perfect.
Posted by: Lora | July 31, 2009 at 10:37
What perfume did I wear to my wedding? Nothing - I was completely not into perfume at the time of my marriage - it didn't even enter my thoughts, which is shocking to me now! If I was doing it over again, I would wear Ecume de Rose - I was married on top of a cliff in Big Sur overlooking the ocean, and I think it would be perfect.
Posted by: Lora | July 31, 2009 at 10:37
Many contratulations to you. I wish you all the best.
I married earlier this spring, but the weather was more like winter.
I gave my perfume choice almost more thought than the dress- am I a desperate case, doctor?
;)
I was torn between several - very different - scents that I love and thought appropriate both for the weather and the occasion: Feminité du bois, Sycomore, Amoureuse, une rose chyprée (I had a small sample won at christmas) and Taif.
In the end, the dusky, peppery rose of Taif felt just right, and I can recall myself feeling beautiful, happy, and so much in love as I entered the church.
I am sure you will feel the same, whatever your choice will be!
Posted by: Simone | July 31, 2009 at 11:06
I think you should not pick something new to wear for your wedding; rather, you should wear something your husband to be is already familiar with and loves so he can associate it with the early days of your relationship. Thirty years ago I wore my then signature perfume, Cabochard, on the day I was married. I didn’t even realize what it meant to my husband until ten years later. One night when I was very pregnant with our second child and we were lying together in bed, he asked me to put on some Cabochard (by then I’d also been through Bellogia and Magie Noire). After I sprayed it on, he snuggled up to me and inhaled deeply. “You smell so good!” he said. “But that’s what I always smell like,” I said. “I know,” he replied, in a husky voice.
These days I wear a lot of different things, but the scent of Cabochard from our early days together is still very erotic to him (guess I better track down a bottle of the vintage stuff).
Posted by: Nina Z. | July 31, 2009 at 11:53
Best wishes on your wedding! With all the details to settle, your scent is certainly one for a perfume lover to get right! My scent was an orange flower essential oil blend, IIRC. My choices were limited at the time, as I wasn't much of a perfumista then. We had an outdoor wedding on a hot summer morning, so I chose something that wouldn't cause people to pass out from the sillage.
With your taste, you'll certainly choose something good!
Posted by: EileenS | July 31, 2009 at 11:55
Congratulations and best wishes for your wedding. Please let us know what you will choose.
I personally have worn L'Heure Bleue it was my something old and something blue! Well, that's not my real reason for wearing it, of course. I've chosen LHB mostly because I found it hauntingly beautiful.
Posted by: irem | July 31, 2009 at 13:44
I was wearing Amarige by Givenchy. This is my synonym of the wedding. However, I would always recommend white flowers, to my opinion light tuberose scent is the best selection, be it L'Artisan or SL Tubereuse or any other.
Posted by: Alica | July 31, 2009 at 13:57
And how about for the man? When I get married I will wear Guerlain's Vetiver. Sweetly comforting, to remind her that I fit her just right. And fresh green with hope and promise for the future.
Posted by: David | July 31, 2009 at 16:01
That's a tricky question! I wore none for my wedding since I was not into fragrance then. Today I'd probably wear PdN Odalisque or Chanel (No 5, Rue Cambon, Eau Premiere or Cuir de Russie). Lot's of choices!
Posted by: KC | July 31, 2009 at 17:01
Sadly, perfume wasn't on my radar 30+ years ago. But if I were going through all of that again, I'd choose either Annick Goutal's Songes or Ormonde Jayne Woman because those are the 2 my husband most enjoys. I would hope smelling them in the future would always remind him of our wedding and our commitment to each other.
Posted by: Tiara | July 31, 2009 at 18:02
Timely question for me too. I recently put together a wedding sampler for my younger sister with the following fragrances: Creed Fleurissimo, Love in White, Frederic Malle Le Parfum de Therese, Vera Wang, Bulgari Omnia Crystalline, Estee Lauder Beautiful, and Marc Jacobs Daisy. She chose Daisy, which I pretty much figured.
None of those perfumes would be on my list for a wedding perfume for myself, but I eloped at a time when I really wasn't into fragrance, so I had no wedding perfume. For her wedding, I am thinking I will wear Chanel Gardenia or TF Velvet Gardenia if I'm brave, but if I had to do it all over again with a wedding of my own there would be no question as to what I would wear - Frederic Malle Carnal Flower, and let the chips fall where they may...
Thanks for the drawing - my little 1ml sample of SL Daim Blond has about had it.
Posted by: sherobin | July 31, 2009 at 18:32
Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! Whether you choose a classic or romantic scent, choose something that totally exhilarates you. When I was married nearly 20 years ago, I was unable to tolerate fragrance. However, if I could do it again, I would undoubtedly wear Ormonde Woman.
Thank you for the opportunity in the drawing! Much happiness to you!
Posted by: Mindy G. | July 31, 2009 at 19:46
I would look to the season and the idea of a fragrance being a secret intimacy between the wearer and the person close enough to sense it--in this case the groom. I like the idea of a scent that only those closest to the bride can enjoy, and the idea of a fragrance chosen as the most discreet accessory of the bride's beautiful ensemble.
In winter, I would absolutely select a white floral, something that gives the idea that it is a bouquet edged in ermine. Shalini comes to mind here, or something from JAR. Hyacinth note would be ideal, if an elusive find.
Congratulations on this wonderful event! I have been reading this blog since its inception and have expanded my collection by leaps and bounds thanks to your sublime writing.
Posted by: Suzanna | July 31, 2009 at 19:47
More congratulations from me! What a wonderful, wonderous event to look forward to.
My own wedding was nearly 20 years ago. I don't feel so very old...and was certainly young then...but I dare to note the interval because it was less than two years ago I fell into perfume. So, you'll understand the significance of the fact that despite being non-perfume, for some reason, even then, it seemed important to find a perfume for that day. Somehow I knew I would always attach the scent to the day...and I *wanted* a scent for the day.
My search was disappointing...I ended up compromising on the dress, which I wanted to be in the style of a Grace Kelly-era cocktail frock, on the simple/elegant side. The perfume was supposed to match. As a result, I wore Jessica McClintock perfume, because that happened to be the dress that closest matched my vision at the time (they had a simpler, less eyelet-y and less foofy something than was typical), and the perfume was nice enough.
The perfume that is probably more meaningful was the one I found after I got the dress, and smelled on a whim. Carolina Herrera, the original. Now THAT's it, I thought, and purchased it--which was quite an extravagance for me at the time--and designated it my honeymoon fragrance. That's the one I kept forever, and even though I sometimes puzzled myself over why I would have picked it, it always smells nice, even if it doesn't always "fit" the current me, and always brings a smile.
Posted by: ScentScelf | July 31, 2009 at 21:54
Not married but wore Ambre Sultan to sister's wedding last month.
If I was to marry I think it would be in something that I knew the other half loved as much as I do.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Heliamphora | July 31, 2009 at 22:34
Dear Victoria,
Again ,Congratulations to both you and the very luck groom to be .
I was always a perfumista (since the age of 5 starting eith Sortilege, Shocking by Schiaparelli, Ch. No. 5 Arpege etc) .
I married in August of 1985 . I chose Oscar de la Renta (signature scent , the original circa 1977).
It was so gorgeous ! On my honeymoon , in Nice I met a lovely b londe wpoman from Cte D'Ivoire . She turned me on to 1000 Patou . I bought both the 1/2 ounce extrait and EDP .
For you, during the winter I would do one of 3 things: wear your much adored FM Carnal Flower or a classic Guerlain that you seem to lovei.e Mitsouko or L'Heure Bleue. Another thought is Chanel Bois Des Iles or Chanel No. 22 . I would layer the EDT over the extrait.
Please let us know your decision.
I am so happy for you !!!
Posted by: Madelyn E | August 01, 2009 at 00:38
Congratulations! What an exciting time. I was married in winter. (Nov.29, 1980) Wore a Pricilla of Boston, longsleeved, high neck gown and carried gardenias and tuberose. I wore Norell II. Hadn't worn it previously and never since. Liked it because I thought it was green, not sweet and sophisticated (at the time.) So many of my perfumes instantly bring back memories. I think a wedding fragrance should be unique to the day. Something relatively new to your senses, and then rarely if ever worn again. I don't wear it, but for some reason the original Bvlgari Pour Femme scent evokes a wedding for me. If I married again today I would pick something richly floral like Estee Lauder's Tuberose Gardenia or the recent Ferre.
Posted by: MJ | August 01, 2009 at 01:59
First of congratulations!Today is our 11th wedding anniversary so I can recall my memories very clearly. I wore Beautiful by Estée Lauder. It was my first real perfume and my husband liked it very much. We had a lot of common memories concerning this fragrance. I didn't want to choose a completely new fragrance, I wanted to wear a perfume which I enjoy for a long time.
Posted by: Nora K. | August 01, 2009 at 03:24
I would wear AG's Neroli.
Happy and romantic as a wedding should be.
Congratulations!
Posted by: quimerula | August 01, 2009 at 11:37
I am not married (yet), but I think that the Carnal Flower would be wonderful for a winter wedding.
In April my cousin had a wedding and I wore Tai'f by Ormonde Jayne, which is also gorgeous.
And of course, congratulations!
Posted by: Klara | August 01, 2009 at 13:31
I wore EL Beautiful, as it had just come out the year before (1985) & was the only "girly" scent I had. It's too flowery for me now, so I would probably wear SL Bois de Violette (which I percieve as a clear, cool, airy wood) in warm weather or Guerlain Vol de Nuit in cool weather (because it is just so me). Best wishes on your upcoming wedding.
Posted by: Julie | August 01, 2009 at 14:05
Victoria,
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! It is so exciting.
I got married in Maui and we had an outdoors wedding. I chose Anais Anais because it seemed to go well with the environment. It worked out very well and always reminds me (although I don't think it has anything to do with Anais Anais notes) of my boquet of orchids. I also loved the fact that it has a bit of incense, which is my favorite note.
Cheers!
Posted by: Arwen | August 01, 2009 at 14:29
Georgio for my first wedding. If and when I marry again my first thought would be Carnal Flower. But there are so many that would be lovely! Ta'if or anything by Ormonde Jayne.
Have fun deciding! Congratulations!
Posted by: Janet in CA | August 01, 2009 at 14:30
I don't remember wearing perfume on my wedding day in May of 1992... it's probably a good thing, because I think my usual scent at the time was either Coty Aspen for Women (woodsy-citrus, with an ozonic note) or Revlon Xia Xiang (a floral oriental), both cheapie drugstore scents which were all (I thought) I could afford at the time. I had splurged (!) on Bath and Body Works Freesia bath products at the time, though, so freesia is the scent of my honeymoon. Light, fresh, and romantic - and I notice that the scents my husband still likes best are light, young, green florals.
If I were getting married today, I'd probably pick Diorissimo, or DSH's Wedding Bouquet, which echoes the stephanotis and white roses I carried in my bouquet. Or possibly PdNicolai's Le Temps d'une Fete, which is the happiest perfume I own. For winter, though, I might choose either 31 Rue Cambon, Ta'if, or L'heure Bleue in extrait (I don't find it melancholy, although I note that others often do).
Thanks for entering me in the drawing, and I wish you many, many years of happiness ahead!
Posted by: Mals86 | August 01, 2009 at 14:47
Coming back in...now that I've had my trip down memory lane, I'm looking ahead. I still wouldn't try to switch gears entirely, and pick a perfume for *you* :), but I came back to see what other people wrote, and re-read your post. My mind caught on Winter of 2010...
And I realized that if I were picking right now, I'd probably pick Malle L'eau d'Hiver. First of all, I love it. Second of all, I love how it--like many Malles--echoes history but is firmly planted in today. (Just like the ceremony of marriage, no?) There's something about the come-close beauty of it...the surprise of something sweet inside the cool wrappings...like a bride in a winter dress? Perhaps I try too hard to use words, but I wanted to be clear it is not just because the word "hiver" appears in its title.
I would follow the pattern of my actual marriage, and also pick a different scent for honeymoon/after the wedding. Something thicker, perhaps naughtier, but simply riper for sure. At this point in my life, and in the winter, I think I'd go with an amber or oriental...maybe find a new one, with the honey note that is suddenly out and about in force...this would connect me to present and future.
Posted by: ScentScelf | August 01, 2009 at 16:10
Serge Lutens Un Lys is the perfect wedding scent. Beautiful composition of fertile lillies, and is reminiscent of lilacs during dry down. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Jennifer G | August 01, 2009 at 16:34
One my wedding day I wore Joy. We were married just after Christmas and gave everyone small, red ornaments with "Love and Joy" and the date hand painted on them.
If I were to renew my vows this winter I'd wear Divine by Divine.
Congratulations!
Posted by: ScentRed | August 01, 2009 at 21:13
Congratulations, Victoria! I wore Lancome Poeme, which I tried and purchased in Italy the summer I met my husband there. I remember I accidentally stained my gloves with it! That was before my perfume obsession; now I'd wear something different, probably Ormonde Jayne Tolu or Ta'if. I love Tolu but don't wear it much in the summer, which is the time of year I got married.
Posted by: Juliet | August 01, 2009 at 21:21
I'm new to perfume so I didn't wear any on my wedding day. If I were to do it over I would wear Hermes Vanille Galante - deceptively simple, soft,transparent, and lovely.
Best wishes to you.
Posted by: kimp | August 01, 2009 at 22:36
someday when i hopefully get married, i want to wear serge lutens 'un lys' or some indian jasmine oil.
i can imagine many logical directions for wedding perfume, light, fresh, veiled, sheer:
but me, i want my scent to be dizzy and swooning, like the idea of being married and in love. so, heady lilies or jasmine.
Posted by: jlaurenkates | August 01, 2009 at 22:59
Congrats!
I wore Chanticalle's Tiare on a blistering (heat index 110+) hot, late September day on Lake Texoma. Hurricane Rita was scheduled to make an appearence, so we had several family members decide not to travel to TX, seeing that Katrina had just devestated New Orleans weeks before. Tiare was a fragrance my husband loved on me while we were dating and spending almost every weekend, boating at the lake. It was a reminder of blissful, carefree times - regardless of the stress and worry over possibly dangerous weather at an outdoor wedding. It ended up being a lovely day from beginning to end, with ideal weather afterall.
Posted by: LauraJ | August 01, 2009 at 23:31
I'm not married and, the way things are looking, won't be allowed to be. But the fragrance I would choose, as of this moment, would probably be Dzongkha. Especially for a winter wedding. Though, if I were outside in some sweltering heat, maybe Shalimar or Vol de Nuit in extrait, both of which I intend on adding to my collection once I acquire funds.
I could understand wearing something indecently floral, just oozing sensuality. That's a common enough theme, right? I can't imagine anything green or citrus-y for a wedding. A soft, buttery leather would be quite nice also.
I'm so excited for you! I can hardly wait to hear what you choose.
Posted by: Eric | August 02, 2009 at 01:36
For my first wedding I wore Y parfum. Y was my signature scent for over 20 years and it's still one of my all time favorites! Please enter me in the draw. Thanks and congratulations!
Posted by: Chris G | August 02, 2009 at 02:03
O, congratulations! What exciting news.
I too think the perfect wedding scent is Chanel No. 22. But I'd probably wear something like Opium. =P
Posted by: Dain | August 02, 2009 at 09:29
I'm getting married and I am going to wear Jardin de Kerylos PG. First of all, because it is one of my favourite fragrances and besides it reminds my of white things, so it is very suitable. Congratulations! or gratulacje as we say in my native language - Polish.
Posted by: Ania | August 02, 2009 at 10:54
Back when I got married, I wore mostly hippie perfume oils. For my wedding, I wore a combination of henna perfume oil (similar to Madini's, I've forgotten the brand) and neroli essential oil diluted in jojoba oil. It was lovely. If I were to do it again today, I might wear Datura Noir - I love white florals, and DH loves coconut!
Posted by: Amy | August 02, 2009 at 11:58
I forgot to mention the JARS as possible candidates. I've tried them only once but loved them. Bolt of lightning is beautiful and Diamond water is so pretty. If I wanted a spicy, peppery perfume- I would go with Caron Poivre (*love), though Jar Golconda might also work (doesn't it remind you of an Indian drink though?)
And as somebody mentioned-Shalini would be a lovely choice too.
Posted by: Lavanya | August 02, 2009 at 12:19
I wore Serge Lutens Gris Clair. I don't wear it usually but I thought it went perfectly with the silk of my dress and the church walls. I was rather young getting married so I it made me feel very grown up in it too, but very comforting at the same time.
Posted by: kelmette | August 03, 2009 at 02:24
Congratulations V! I wore Yendi by Capucci because it was the first perfume gift from my then boyfriend. We had only been dating a couple of months, and we were both drawn to this fragrance. It doesn't seem to be a popular choice, but I still love it.
Posted by: KathyT | August 03, 2009 at 08:32
Best of luck with the wedding preparations. I think a wedding perfume should be unique enough that when either of you smell it again, it will recall that particular time and place, instead of an ubiquitous scent that many people wear. If I were to get married in the winter, I would choose something warm, a little romantic, but still sophisticated or something extremely opulent, sparingly applied. I think Chanel No. 22 would be lovely. On me, the vanilla is soft and tempers the coldness of the aldehydes and incense. For opulence, I would pick a white floral like SL A La Nuit. Small spritzes though, so the guests aren't overwhelmed!
Posted by: Theresa | August 03, 2009 at 16:51
Congratulations Victoria!
I married in my early '40s just 4yrs ago - so that's the angle of my perspective. I wanted my wedding gown to have an air of the opera diva from the early 1900s or even the "belle epoque" era (think Viennese Operettas" and chose an ivory Casablanca slim, capsleeved a-line gown, complete with beads and laces stitched on a soft sheer chiffon overlay. I remembered when I first tried the gown on, a young 20-something gal in the next dressing room asked to try and it just didn't work for her. Guess "AGE" is a good thing sometimes, LoL.
Very traditional, feminine, joyful well - my fragrance(s) of choice was a combination of AG's Rose Absolute and Joy, both EDP. I not only doused myself with the scents but also spritzed onto a piece of cotton pad and tucked it in my bra so not to have to reapply. I couldn't think of anything more cheerful, feminine, and classy all at once. It worked then and I'd do it all again today!
Thanks for letting me share and take this trip down memory lane!
Posted by: OperaFan | August 03, 2009 at 16:52
Congratulations!
I wore D&G Feminine. It's lilies and clean musk, kind of metalic. The lily is very similar to Un Lys. An innocent white floral. Now I would choose something tuberose or gardenia, maybe Carnal Flower.
Posted by: Sariah | August 03, 2009 at 17:23
Not married, but I'd pick Luten's Daim Blond. Very classy, but warm and comforting at the same time.
Posted by: Juhyon | August 03, 2009 at 19:52
A few months before my wedding, I purchased my first bottle of perfume, Banana Republic Rosewood. It felt safe, a fragrance that wouldn't distract on that day, but making the purchase felt decidedly unsafe. Sure enough, not long after, I stumbled upon Bois de Jasmin and ventured to other fragrance counters. These days little glass vials of perfumes, too many to number, trip against Rosewood, the fragrance that started this adventure.
Posted by: adriana | August 03, 2009 at 23:19
It was Après l'ondée extrait because it reminded me of the Pre-Raphaelites. Today it would be Doblis or Djedi because they are like rosemary and memory for me.
Posted by: Kathryn | August 04, 2009 at 00:13
i wore Mitsouko because it was simply my favourite perfume at the time and Guerlain was for me the essence of sophistication in perfumes. that was almost 16 years ago. since then, i discovered niche perfumes, were i to remarry, i would look very hard for a really unique perfume, something perhaps too rare and too expensive to buy regularly, like the Montale rose perfume made of roses de Grasse. can't remember the name, i tried it in the Paris shop but i was warned of the price and yes it was expensive so i settled for the rose taïf that i love. another rarity would be a special edition perfume from the Artisan Parfumeur. they make a small batch from a particular flower harvest (not every year the same one). these would be for soft and romantic weddings.
for a modern low key but sophisticated wedding in a knee length wedding dress and stunning shoes, a femme fatale in white, i would wear Tubéreuse criminelle
Posted by: columbine | August 04, 2009 at 05:53
I wore Shalimar for my winter wedding 20 years ago. I chose it because it was the nicest fragrance I owned. If I got married today, I'd pick Fleurissimo, not only because I love the fragrance, but I think of how romantic it would be for your husband-to-be to commission a fragrance to celebrate you, as Prince Rainer did for Princess Grace! Every bride should feel as beautiful as Grace Kelly was on her wedding day.
Posted by: Mavourneen | August 04, 2009 at 09:20
I am another one of those who did not wear any scent when I got married since I didn't have much of an interest in perfume yet. Now, it feels like a missed opportunity to splurge on something extra-special and memorable, but so it goes. At least perfume makes a great anniversary or birthday gift!
Posted by: JenniferSE | August 04, 2009 at 13:25
Dear Victoria,
It was the discovery of your enchanting blog that led me into a fragrant world that I have only begun to explore and to which you have been an elegant and eloquent guide. Thank you for sharing the joyous news of your coming wedding. I have never been married, but a former beau (and love of my life) appreciated that I wore Opium. (He told me once that he had caught a whiff of it at a party and hoped I might be there). He often brought it to me from trips abroad, and it was the last gift he gave me before he died. I am not sure it is a nuptial scent! But it is what I would have worn. (He wore Zizanie, a men's fragrance I still adore). With all best wishes for great happiness! Ariane
Posted by: Anonymous | August 04, 2009 at 15:35
The choice of perfume depends so much on the season, the location, the flowers...
My choice (in 2001) for wedding at a shingle style inn on the coast of Maine, in late May, was En Passant. Maine is famous for her lilacs, there were small loose wildflower-like arrangements by a local woman (grown in her garden) in all the rooms. The feel was tender and fresh, just like the perfume.
I am in the camp that thinks you need to find a new scent for your wedding, something that you haven't worn before, so that it becomes indelibly associated with the event in everyone's mind, especially yours.
Congratulations, and good luck.
Posted by: monika | August 06, 2009 at 09:55
Congratulations! I know I'm too late for the drawing but wanted to send best wishes anyway. My fragrance was Valentino Gold. Hardly anyone knows it, it's soft and gentle but stood out just enough and fit so well with my age and softness at the time. Today if I were marrying in winter I would have to go with a beautiful incense probably. Or perhaps one of the Ormonde Jaynes. Is there such a perfume as a gardenia incense? Or perhaps one of the new Chanel les exclusifs.
Posted by: PRE | August 09, 2009 at 01:51
We were married on a cool, crisp October afternoon about 25 years ago. I had no great interest in perfume so I doubt I wore anything. When I think of that day now, I think of falling leaves and faint smoke from distant fireplaces. If I could go back in time (and take a bottle with me) I would wear Sonoma Scent Studio's Winter Woods.
Best wishes on your upcoming wedding.
Posted by: Caragh | August 09, 2009 at 19:32
I wore nothing, firstly, because we married in LV during our visit to the States and I forgot to pack fragrance, and secondly, I had a cold, my nose was running and I couldn't smell anything. Nevertheless, all went well and I didn't let it spoil the ceremony. That said, today I'd opt for Fracas or Dzing! or Coco. Hope your path to choosing a fragrance won't be long and you'll find what suits you best. And congratz, as a matter of course ;)
Posted by: zara | August 13, 2009 at 14:33
I've just got hitched last year and I wore my fave - Bulgari Omnia. I do not usually wear this perfume because it was given to me by my fiance as 25th birthday gift - I'd like it to last, you know.
Posted by: Women Scents | August 23, 2009 at 11:27
I wore Michael Kors because it was warm and sexy and we dressed in 1940s outfits and the jasmine in it just seemed right for the period dress. Funny, too, because everyone thought my bouquet was what smelled so wonderful -- but it was me!
Posted by: Karen | August 24, 2009 at 16:58
I wore Diorissimo too. It was the fragrance of my twenties, and I was 28 when I married. If I were getting married today (or renewing my vows, more likely) I would wear my all-time favorite, L'Artisan's Fleur d'Oranger 2005. I have never smelled anything more ravishing. I love it all the more because once my bottle is used up, there will be no more -- it was a limited release.
Posted by: Heidi | September 15, 2009 at 19:11
I wore Caudalie Eau de Vigne as it was light, green and invigorating. Also, I got married in August, and even though it was in a hotel, it was warm. I popped up to the suite occasionally to refresh!
Posted by: zips | September 16, 2009 at 08:42
I'm late for the drawing as well, but will be getting married in November and have been in a quandry over what scent to wear a dilemma compounded by the fact that my fiance does not care for perfume. I'll sample some Ormonde Jayne scents, and had thought of AG's Neroli (I have a bottle already) as well. So many perfumes...so little time! I'd love to wear something special and unique for the day...I'll have to see what I can find and will look forward to reading your follow-up (and congratulations to you!)
Posted by: maggiecat | September 17, 2009 at 13:39
I wore Michael Kors because it was warm and sexy and we dressed in 1940s outfits and the jasmine in it just seemed right for the period dress. Funny, too, because everyone thought my bouquet was what smelled so wonderful -- but it was me!
Posted by: Acaislim | October 01, 2009 at 09:58
I'm super late for this one. Anyway, maybe I'll just add this anyway, my wife wore a cartier fragrance when we got married. I loved it.
Posted by: Garfield | May 03, 2011 at 15:56