As a bride-to-be, you’ve likely been planning your wedding day long before your engagement. Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days of your life. Every detail matters—from your dress to the cocktail choice to the perfume you choose to wear on your big day.
Engraved Coco Mademoiselle Chanel perfume for mother of the bride.
Our sense of smell is uniquely tied to memory and emotion, making your wedding day perfume a lasting reminder of your wedding and the start of your forever. Your fragrance not only complements your overall look but will bring back those cherished memories every time you smell it.
As a professional engraver and bottle painter for bridal perfumes and wedding day fragrances, I receive lots of questions about how to choose the right fragrance. I see dozens of fragrance bottles, and certain bottles are better than others for engraving and painting.
I’m sharing my top 4 tips for selecting your wedding day perfume, counting down to the most important choice of all!
4. Match the Colors to Your Wedding Flowers and Theme
The visual aspect of the bottle is a fun choice! When choosing a wedding day perfume, consider how the bottle's design and colors match your personal style and overall wedding theme. Choose a bridal perfume that enhances your aesthetic.
Coordinate with Floral Arrangements:
If your wedding features a particular color palette, look for a perfume bottle that complements these elements. For instance, many florists will create a mood board of your day. Compare the look of different bottles to see which one fits your florist’s designs. Similarly, if your wedding colors are soft pastels, choosing a perfume bottle with a pastel hue can add an elegant touch to your vanity table and photos.
Enhance the Theme:
Whether your wedding theme is vintage, modern, bohemian, or classic, you have endless options for a perfume bottle that fits that vibe. A vintage-themed wedding might pair beautifully with a perfume in an ornate, antique-style bottle. If you’re a minimalist bride, choose a modern, chic bottle with fewer words and designs. By matching your perfume bottle to your wedding theme, you create a seamless and visually appealing experience.
Visual Appeal in Photos:
Flat lays are a one-of-a-kind compilation of all of your wedding details. Your photographer will snap photos of your bottle with your rings, invitations, flowers, shoes, and other special bridal accessories. Choose a bottle that compliments your other accessories to ensure the flat lay photos are not only beautiful but also tell a cohesive story of your day as a bride.
Hand painted and engraved Coach fragrance for wedding day perfume flat lay. Photo by Heather J Photography.
3. Stay Within Your Budget
Weddings are expensive, and “the little details” really add up. Keep an eye on your budget when selecting a perfume, and be ready to shop around to find a price point you’re comfortable with. Your fragrance is an investment that lasts long after “I Do” and reminds you of your wedding day each time you smell it. However, staying within your budget doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality or elegance.
Set a Budget:
Determine how much you're willing to spend on your wedding day perfume. Perfumes come in a wide range of prices, so setting a budget will help you narrow down your options. Keep in mind that you can find high-quality fragrances at various price points, and there are affordable and luxurious options available. You may also consider asking for a specific luxury perfume as a bridal gift from close friends and family.
Look for Deals and Discounts:
Take advantage of seasonal sales, online discounts, and insider promotions to get the best deal on your chosen perfume. Brands and retailers offer exclusive prices if you sign up for newsletters or join their online community. Gift sets are also a great way to. Provide more bang for your buck!
Pro Tip: Many stores will hire an on-site engraver or calligraphy artist to personalize bottles that you purchase. Look for live personalization services during holidays to save money!
2. Ensure Ample Space for Personalization
It’s no surprise, the personalization is my favorite part! Add hand-engraved and painted details to your wedding day perfume for a unique and sentimental touch. Beyond your wedding day, it’s a cherished keepsake for years to come with your name, date, or colors added. When choosing a perfume, consider the bottle's design and how much space it offers for customization.
Miniature sizes, like these Dior bottles, are perfect for bridesmaids gifts with space for initials or first names.
Choose the Right Shape and Size:
Opt for perfume bottles with ample space on the surface for engraving or painting. Smooth, flat surfaces are ideal for detailed designs and text. Bottles with minimal labels or blank space on the back or sides provide the best canvas for personalization. Larger bottles allow for more engraving and painting. Small bottles work well with your initials or date only.
Consider the Customization Details:
Think about what you want to include in the personalization. Popular choices include
- Your name
- New initials
- Wedding date
- First dance lyrics
- Special quote
- Bible verse
- Intricate floral designs
Ensure that the perfume bottle you choose can accommodate these details. Communicate with your engraver or painter about your vision and ask for their recommendations on the best bottle shapes and sizes for your desired design. Questions about what fits on different bottles? Send me a message before you purchase.
1. Love the Scent
Most importantly, make sure you love the scent! While the appearance and personalization of your perfume bottle are important, the most crucial factor is that you genuinely love how it smells. Your wedding day fragrance will bring back the memories from your wedding day every time you wear it.
Test Different Fragrances:
Remember the magazine pages that had a fragrance sample? It’s because you don’t know what you’re getting until you try it! Visit fragrance counters and retail stores to test difference scents. Ask sales associates for help finding a scent that you love. Remember that perfumes can smell different on your skin than they do in the bottle, so give each scent some time to develop.
Visit your local beauty department to test fragrances and speak to a sales associate.
Consider Asking Your Partner:
Since your wedding day fragrance will be a significant part of your shared memories, consider asking your partner what they think of the scent. If you’re torn between different fragrances, their input can help you choose one that you both enjoy. Additionally, involving your partner in the decision-making process can make the experience even more special and personal. When you wear it on date nights or anniversaries, you will both remember your wedding day.
A Scent-sational Way to Make Your Day Unforgettable
Choosing the perfect wedding day perfume isn’t a quick decision. Take your time to consider various factors, from aesthetics to budget and, most importantly, the scent itself. As you prepare for your big day, remember that your fragrance is more than just a detail – it's a reflection of your style, personality, and the love you share with your partner.
Ready to find your perfect wedding day perfume?
Explore wedding services for personalized painting and engraving to make your fragrance bottle truly one-of-a-kind. Contact us today to start the journey to creating a memorable and beautiful keepsake for your special day. Your perfect scent awaits!