Wedding Perfume: I always have visions of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in Cleopatra, when I think of the seductiveness of perfume. In fact perfume was first used by the Egyptians as part of their religious rituals; first in the burning of incense and secondly in the application of balms and ointments. It wasn’t until approximately 1580BC, that wealthy women used perfume as a prelude to love making.
In Western culture it was the French who introduced perfume to Europe in the 17th century. Arguably the French have remained the world leaders ever since. Today, there are over 20,000 fragrances on the market. Once for the rich only perfume is accessible to all. It is even possible to log on the web and create your own perfume on line.
How to Choose Your Wedding Perfume:
It will be important to you that your perfume, or cologne, lasts the duration of your wedding day without having to constantly reapply it. When buying perfume you should bear in mind:
– Perfume, also called “Extract” is the purest form, containing 15 – 40% of perfume oils. It is the most expensive to buy.
– Eau de Parfum is less concentrated and has between 8 – 17% of perfume oils mixed with alcohol. The parfum is usually lost within three hours but may leave a lingering scent.
– Eau de Toilette is only 1 – 6% concentration of oils and lasts for only a short while. It is meant to be used as a freshener – some thing to wake you up.
– Eau de Cologne is the equivalent of Eau de Toilette
Choosing the right fragrance for you may take time. I would suggest that the first time round you smell a selection of fragrances on testing cards. Some you will like, others you will reject outright. Next, ask for a couple of the ones you like to be sprayed onto each wrist. See how you react and how your body changes the chemistry of the perfume. Does it fade away or is there a lingering trace? This may take several days if you are serious about your selection.
When I have chosen my wedding perfume or cologne what next?
Here are a few useful tips for you to remember:
– use the “layering” method, i.e. use the same fragrance of body soap, lotion, moisturizer, talc, deodorant, etc. which will ensure you smell great all day
– keep your perfume out of direct sunlight, preferably in a cool dark place, ensuring it is well sealed after use
– perfumes “go off” after about a year, you may notice a difference in the colour
– if you do not like wearing perfume on your skin, spray it onto your veil, or pocket-handkerchief
Wedding perfume favours:
Here are some ideas if you wish to blend your chosen fragrance into your wedding theme:
– scented stationery
– a vile of perfume for each of your guests
– scented candles
– scented bubble bath
– potpourri with aromatherapy oils
– match your scent with your bridal flowers
For some people scent is very important – if conjures up memories of events. If you are one of these people, then it is very important that you spend time making the correct choice for you.