By the time your wedding arrives, you've likely made some big decisions. You know who you want to spend the rest of your life with. (That's major!) But have you considered what you want to smell like in those oh-so-special moments? And, will it be a long-lasting fragrance? Finding the best wedding day perfume may sound like a frivolous pursuit, but it isn't; fragrance sets the scene for a magical day in many ways.
Honorine Blanc, a dsm-firmenich Master Perfumer, is constantly inspired by a fragrance's ability to trigger emotions. "It's a cloud around you that you create," she shares. "Depending on the occasion, the fragrance will enhance the mood and emotion, or a feeling you want to be in."
While some set "floral" or "pretty bottle" standards for their wedding day perfumes, Blanc says there are no rules to selecting a special occasion fragrance. Citrus scents make some feel fresh and sexy, while others like gourmand or woody smells.
"It’s all about what you want to experience," she adds. "Fragrance is really your second personality—the most you. When you wear a fragrance, it’s showing someone a piece of yourself." Perfumer Jérôme Epinette (he's the genius behind Victoria Beckham Beauty's ultra-romantic scents) agrees, adding that it doesn't hurt to pick something your partner will appreciate. However, let's be honest: they're already completely in love with you, too.
"For a night all about the celebration of two, it would be wise to select something your partner will respond positively to!" he shares. "After that, being the star of the event, choose something memorable and signature with beautiful sillage and long-lastingness to take you late into the night. Wedding guests will remember your presence and the event by your perfume."
Ahead, fragrance specialists and a celebrity wedding planner share what fragrance means to them romantically. You'll also discover the best wedding day perfumes—and how to wear them.
What to Look For in a Wedding Day Perfume
- Style: Ideally full of lightness and joy, your wedding day isn't the time for a dark, moody, overtly sexy fragrance (unless that's your style, in which case it's the perfect time). Instead, Blanc recommends a scent that feels luminous, colorful, and softly sensual. Your choice should soothe you and make you happy.
- Notes: Although there are no real rules for selecting a wedding day fragrance, we can offer suggestions. "I see romance as profound intimacy, optimism, and joy. Creating a fragrance to deliver on those emotions means using notes that cue an uplifting spirit, but also those with sensuality," shares Epinette. "For me, this means using both musky, skin-like notes and touches of powerful, deep, long-lasting florals or opulent, creamy woods that capture the intensity of love. In a more traditional sense, romance in perfumes can also be expressed using more delicate florals that offer that more caring, loving aspect." Fragrance specialist Eudora Nwasike also has a list of favorite wedding-esque notes for your perusing pleasure. Rose, tuberose, amber, sandalwood, iris, orange blossom, vanilla, heliotrope, peony, jasmine, and gardenia all make the fragrance expert's cut. "Sometimes, when words fail to encapsulate the magnitude of love I have for someone, a fragrance does the talking for me," the expert shares. "It is the most beautiful way to express your feelings and show admiration towards someone you care about."
Marilyn Monroe enjoyed spraying Chanel No.5 for special events. Here, in 1955, she is getting ready to go to the theater.
- Season: It can be beneficial to suit your wedding fragrance to the overall environment of the event—the season it's taking place should be factored in. Nwasike says to opt for "soft and airy" scents for spring—something fresh, floral, or fruity, perhaps? Autumn and winter weddings pair well with spicy, woody, and/or amber-y fragrances.
- Simplicity: Wearing a fragrance you're not used to can help you discover hidden facets of your personality, but you want to debut something you're fairly familiar with while walking down the aisle. The simple reason: what if you end up hating it? "I wouldn’t wear something totally new for my wedding because you want everything to be happy," shares Blanc. Unless you feel like trying out the fragrance beforehand, save a blind application for a first date.
- Layering: With that being said, a wedding is a great time to stray a bit from your day-to-day fragrance. You want the scent memory to be specific to this day, right? "If you tend to wear light fragrances, I recommend experimenting with layering a more unique and distinctive scent onto your standard base," shares wedding planner extraordinaire Colin Cowie, who was responsible for J.Lo and Ben Affleck's nuptials. "Perhaps it’s a note that evokes something about the area or venue (perhaps it’s lavender in the South of France), or even a particular bloom in your bouquet (perhaps a gardenia). Of course, layering fragrances can get tricky and complex, so allow time to experiment or call upon experts who can help you formulate a custom scent."
The Best Wedding Day Perfumes
- The Best Classic Wedding Day Perfume: Chanel No.5 Eau de Parfum
- The Best Destination Wedding Day Perfume: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum
- The Best Layerable Wedding Day Perfume: Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne
- The Best New(ish) Wedding Day Perfume: Dior Miss Dior Eau de Parfum
- The Best Amber Wedding Day Perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir
It just makes sense, doesn't it? Launched in 1921, Chanel No.5 was Coco Chanel's first perfume launch. Over 100 (!) years later, the jasmine-forward scent is still the brand's most beloved. Powdery and as traditional as wedding perfumes come, many won't even entertain another option when it comes to their special day's scent. However, if you're looking for something more citrus-forward, the brand's Coco Mademoiselle is also a lovely choice.
Pros: Timeless; A true classic
Cons: Some find it dated (it is...thats the point!)
Customer Review: "I received my first Chanel No.5 as a beautiful wedding shower gift from beautiful friends over 32 years ago. My husband still loves the wonderful smell on me. It brings back great old and new memories. What a great something special to have. A KEEPER!" — Sephora
"I spent several months stressing about the type of fragrance I would wear on my wedding day. I didn't want it to be too floral, too sweet, too loud, and not gourmand. I finally landed on this cardamom and ylang-ylang blend that, at the time, reminded me of my happiest moments: warm summer evenings on the beach. Now, when I wear it—whether casually or for big events like our anniversary—it’s replaced with sweet memories of a special afternoon in Baltimore, where I became one with my best friend." — Deena Campbell, Marie Claire Beauty Director
Pros: Editor-approved; Perfectly beachy
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "I absolutely ADORE this perfume. It stays on all night and usually until the last day for me. It's not overpowering in that EVERYONE will smell you but they definitely smell you when they hug you and they'll ask what you're wearing." — Sephora
In a non-official study (see: me asking all my friends what exactly they wore or plan to wear on their wedding day), a pick from Jo Malone London was the overwhelming favorite. Among the British brand's many scent choices, English Pear & Freesia wins out for its layer-ability. Mix it with another fragrance to create a scent that’s completely unique to you.
Pros: Great for layering; Classic; Celebratory
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "This is my absolute favorite perfume! People stop me in the street to ask what perfume I’m wearing. It’s a really lovely floral scent that isn’t overpowering. I see a lot of reviews that say the scent only lasts an hour and that baffles me. The smell lingers for so long my entire coat closet smells like this perfume!" — Sephora
Is calling this perfume "new" a form of cheating? Kind of. But I don't care! Originally launched in 1947, Miss Dior recently relaunched with a contemporary chypre formulation by Francis Kurkdjian, remaining a classic among classics with key notes of mandarin, jasmine (picked exclusively in the month of July to draw out its fruity notes!), and amber wood. With a silver bow-bedecked bottle perfect for detail shots, the name is also fitting as you take your last steps as an official miss. I really, really love this iteration—it reminds me of my favorite Miss Dior, Miss Dior Cherie.
Pros: Classic but refreshed
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "This fragrance is the perfect balance of floral and airy but still long lasting. The packaging is beautiful and I absolutely love the bow attached. This perfume has such a romantic feel and I’m thinking it will be my wedding day scent!" — Sephora
At Marie Claire, we're big fans of Maison Francis Kurkdjian fragrances. To quote beauty director Deena Campbell, the perfumer is in a league of his own. With its gorgeous blend of amber, vanilla, tonka bean, and benzoin, Nwasike calls Grand Soir Eau de Parfum simple, but so smooth and sophisticated. "As you dance into the late night on your wedding day, the scent trail of Grand Soir will dance with you," she adds.
Pros: Expert choice; Extremely long lasting
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "This fragrance is extremely exotic and unique. There’s really nothing else like it out there. It stays active for over eight hours as do the compliments. Everyone wants to know when I’m wearing. Definitely worth the money. A little goes a long way." — Nordstrom
Also Recommended
Launched in 2023, Parfums de Marly's Valaya was developed by perfumer Quentin Bisch to contain "a luminous aura and at the same time an intangible softness" according to brand creator Julien Sprecher. (Sounds pretty bridal, huh? If you need more proof just look at that white bottle.) Incredibly pretty and even more so fancy, the musky scent includes top notes of aldehydes, white peach, bergamot, and mandarin, middle notes of orange blossom, petalia, lily-of-the-valley, vetiver, nympheal, and mahonia; and base notes of musk, ambroxan, akigalawood, and vanilla.
Pros: Bridal-looking bottle; Fancy-feeling
Cons: More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "I find each of the PDM fragrance to be different. They suit many different tastes. My first experience was with Delina, then I ordered a sampler. This was the fragrance I was immediately taken with its dreamy, unique, and fascinating. It lasts for hours, and when I pick up an article of clothing that has the fragrance on it. It stops me. It is a lifetime favorite." — Nordstrom
A realistic, cozy, and milky gardenia scent, Arquiste's Boutonnière No. 7 was created to be worn by everyone in the romantic floral spirit, whether you're holding a bouquet or wearing a boutonnière. The fragrance features notes of lavender, bergamot, Italian mandarin, genet absolute, vetiver, and oakmoss, as well as a gardenia jasminoides/gardenia citriodora duo.
Pros: Blends well with your bouquet; A strong floral scent
Cons: Some say the lavender notes can be overwhelming.
Customer Review: "This is the most beautiful gardenia-centric I’ve ever smelled. Milky and gorgeous, reminding me of the gardenia in Amouage Love Tuberose where you could feel that wet petal texture and a bit balmy, almost sunscreen-y quality. Lavender stays at the background and has camphorous undertone, so I guess it’s Spike Lavender instead of French? The whole scent is super damp even with vetiver and oakmoss. A tad of Genet (soo cute) accord, I guess, is added just to give an oomph to the scent. And I think this oomph plus vetiver strangely amplifies the sunscreen-y smell mentioned; the output turns out similarly to the drydown of datura note, such as in SL Datura Noir, which I find super sexy. I wouldn’t describe it as classy, rather semi-classic. Definitely consider a bottle." — Fragrantica
Victoria Beckham Beauty's three perfumes were each crafted to echo a personal memory, and while all are romantic in their own way, there's something extremely swoon-worthy about Suite 302. The smoky scent (it features top notes of black cherry and red pepper, middle notes of violet and rose, and base notes of tobacco and leather) pays tribute to a Parisian hotel room that Posh and David Beckham have escaped to over the years. Ooh la la.
Pros: Formulated with romance in mind
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "Suite 302 is absolutely amazing. The scent is very sexy. When my husband has this on and walks past me, to say my face lights up like a Christmas tree is an understatement. I have a smile from ear to ear. Suite 302 makes it hard to leave the house." — VBB
Money spent does not equate to fun had when it comes to weddings or wedding fragrances. Being Frenshe's Palo Santo Sage perfume, which rings up at less than $30 a bottle, is all the proof you need. Crafted to help you center yourself and live in the moment, this comforting scent features a woody combination of palo santo, fresh sage, ylang ylang, and eucalyptus.
Pros: Calming; Affordable
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "I smelled this on my friend and couldn’t believe it when he told me what it was. It smelled so expensive and earthy. I went right out the next day to get it." — Target
While talking wedding fragrances with Blanc, I let it slip that I'm not engaged...yet. Her expert advice? Start spritzing LoveShackFancy's Forever In Love and it'll happen soon enough. Featuring pear and gardenia, this floral and fruity feminine scent is like "a bouquet of white flowers with a touch of pear on top." Now, stay tuned for my engagement announcement—and subsequent wedding-day application.
Pros: Expert choice; Fruit-forward
Cons: Smells too young for some
Customer Review: "Thank you for this product. Need a scent that your husband will love on you? This is it. Forever In Love scent is a vibrant floral with green pear and gardenia, and hints of cedarwood. It’s not too sweet and is perfect for every day." — Sephora
At long last, rose enters the picture. Another fruity floral fragrance, Maison Margiela's aptly named On A Date was developed by Carlos Benaim with top notes of blackcurrant syrup, pink pepper, and bergamot. Floral middle notes include geranium, rose, and davana, while patchouli, moss, vetiver, and musk round out the base. As its on-bottle description suggests, the theme here is grapes and roses. How can you go wrong?
Pros: Romantic; Unique
Cons: Some find the scent too heavy
Customer Review: "This might literally be my new FAVORITE perfume of all time…it smells AMAZING. The smell will make you feel sexy and beautiful. This is the type of perfume you choose to be your scent on your wedding day. The style description is memory in a bottle and I couldn’t describe it any better. I absolutely love this fragrance. It’s my new all time favorite." — Sephora
Launched in 2023, fine'ry quickly became a fragrance fan-favorite for their ability to blend high-end scents with affordable prices. While there are many romantic, perfect-for-a-wedding choices (see: Madame or Born to Empress), the musky Without a Trace wins out for its clean sophistication. At only $30 a bottle, you might as well spritz away for the day of and the rehearsal dinner.
Pros: Affordable; Romantic
Cons: Some customers say it doesn't last long enough
Customer Review: "This smells incredible and the scent lasts all day on my clothes. If you love musk, you'll really enjoy this because its musk heavy. It's a soft scent that is very fresh and I personally find it so calming. I absolutely love this scent and will be buying a back up." — Target
Instead of holding the bouquet, why not become the bouquet? Byredo's Flowerhead was inspired by a traditional Indian wedding, where flowers are positively everywhere. "Flower heads are strung together on giant leis which are exchanged between bride and groom as a token of mutual respect," shares the brand. When I say this is flowery, I'm not kidding. A little goes a long way, with the scent lasting longer than some real-life blooms.
Pros: Festive; Flower-forward
Cons: Can be too intense for some; More expensive than other options
Customer Review: "A beautiful white floral bomb but feels layered with small nuances that give it incredible depth. To the regular nose this is purely a bubblegum tuberose. But to the fragrance lover you can smell layers of tuberose, jasmine, a sweet milky citrus, and an earthy note. I could have sworn it was rice when I first smelled it. Layers beautiful with musks and woods. A staple in my fragrance wardrobe. Very flamboyant and festive." — Fragrantica
Something blue! In case you don't know, legacy soap brand Caswell-Massey has been making gorgeously scented body products since 1752. With passionflower at its core, this aptly named floral fragrance also features lavender, jasmine, artemisia, wormwood; Egyptian musk, and white wood notes. "Imagine you want to wear your bouquet," shared Blanc. "The way you’re going to pick the bouquet is the same way you’re going to pick the fragrance."
Pros: Nicely blended; Classic
Cons: Some prefer a louder fragrance
Customer Review: "I love Elixir of Love. Twenty-five years ago I was gifted the body powder and have used this scent since. Last month a lady followed me and said "It's you!! Your scent is absolutely gorgeous may I ask what you're wearing?' I told her Elixir of Love by Caswell-Massey, she googled it and then ordered it on the spot! " — Caswell-Massey
Oh, Valentino. This is a special one! A bit more vanilla than its original formulation, Donna Born In Roma Intense features top notes of bourbon, vanilla, and amber, a middle note of jasmine, and benzoin at its base. Creamy and cozy, this one lasts a very long time, so you can enjoy the scent long past cocktail hour.
Pros: Long-lasting; Cozy
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "This perfume is my absolute favorite. It smells sweet but not sweet sickly sweet. Extremely long lasting. My boyfriend is obsessed with how this smells on me." — Sephora
A woody and warm reinterpretation of the original Ralph Lauren Romance, Ralph Lauren Romance Intense has top notes of bergamot heart, green mandarin, and blackcurrant accord. Not too floral, too green, or too woody, it's "just right" in every way—the exact energy you want to bring into your wedding day.
Pros: Affordable; Warming
Cons: None found
Customer Review: "This smells amazing!! Sweet yet also clean and airy! I get so many compliments on it everyday. I absolutely love it and it's becoming my favorite everyday scent. It's just pretty and floral with sweet roses." — Ulta
Specially created to become a "second skin" and echo your natural skin chemistry, For Her Musc Nude is a brand-new and welcome addition to Narciso Rodriguez's repertoire. A bit old-fashioned smelling (in a good way), the powdery, musky scent is soft and great for layering.
Pros: Gentle; Gets even better as it wears
Cons: Powder smell isn't for everyone
Customer Review: "Lovely fragrance which is nice and soft on my skin. The smell is so lovely, musky but floral, and it lasts the whole day. I had a lot of comments asking where it was from. I just wish I had a bigger bottle!" — Macys
How to Apply Your Wedding Day Fragrance
While knowing the basics of perfume application is important (pulse points and no rubbing!), Blanc's wedding day application instructions are much more intimate.
"I would be by myself in my room. I would close the door. And before wearing my wedding dress I would spray it straight on my skin," shares the master perfumer.
Throughout the day, turn to your fragrance when you need to feel centered. Perhaps before walking down the aisle?
"The fragrance will be the thing you wear that will be the closest to you," she adds. "Wear something that will make you feel good, happy, in love. And on the day of the wedding, wear the fragrance for you and not others. It’s about you that day."
Meet the Experts
Master Perfumer Honorine Blanc combines an undeniable personal strength with the sensibility of a true artistic spirit. She does not smell her fragrances, she feels them. Born in Beirut, she spent her earliest years there; where her character was molded by its dynamic, refined culture. She went on to study in Paris where she first entered the world of perfumery. An offer to be taken under the wing of Master Perfumer Sophia Grojsman brought Honorine to New-York and she never left. But when it comes to her work Honorine herself is a perfectionist. Honorine particularly loves creating without the boundaries of a project, thriving on the chance to take risks and make a new statement.
Eudora is a fragrance specialist by the Fragrance Foundation UK, published journalist, and magazine contributor promoting and demystifying the art of fragrance across various audiences.
Jérôme Epinette is a renowned French perfumer, known for his work with several high-profile fragrance houses such as Byredo, Atelier Cologne, Frapin, and Olfactive Studio, among others. After earning a Master's degree in Biochemistry from Burgundy University in Dijon, France, Epinette attended the Grasse Institute of Perfumery in Grasse, where he honed his skills in the art of fragrance creation. He is best known for his collaboration with Olivia Giacobetti and Ben Gorham in creating the successful Byredo line, where he personally designed most of the fragrances. He lives and works in New York City.
Colin Cowie designs, plans and creates luxurious weddings and events for clients. He is a wedding planner that New York trusts with their most exclusive affairs, offering comprehensive planning and coordination services worldwide. Cowie also offers tips and advice to help brides feel and look special on their big day.
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