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How to Scent Your Wedding Venue: Useful Tips for Creating a Memorable Day
Scent. It’s often the invisible detail that can make a wedding truly unforgettable. While we may focus on flowers, lighting, and music, fragrance has a magical way of embedding itself into our memories. Every time you catch a whiff of that same scent in the future, you’re immediately transported back to that special day. So, as part of our wedding planning advice, let’s explore how to scent your wedding venue in a way that makes those memories even more vivid and meaningful.
To bring you expert tips, we spoke with Sasha Lord, founder of LORDS Fragrance House. Sasha is an avid traveller, finding joy and freedom through exploration, and believes in the power of scents to transport you to new places. Her brand offers luxurious, vegan home fragrances designed to enrich your interiors and, most importantly, your wedding day. Sasha collaborates with passionate experts to create consciously crafted scents that infuse your surroundings with happiness, making every space feel special—whether it’s your home or the setting of your big day.
Sasha Lord, founder of LORDS Fragrance House.
Setting the Scent Vibe
What’s the mood of your wedding? Is it timeless and elegant, or whimsical and boho chic? The scent you choose can express your wedding’s theme as much as the floral arrangements or colour scheme. I once attended a wedding where the smell of gardenias filled the air. It was simple yet luxurious, like stepping into a French garden. The fragrance set the tone for the day, as if whispering, “Welcome to a world of romance.”
“Candles lit where guests arrive creates a welcoming ambience with instantaneous wafts of scents to set the vibe, and table scaping with subtly scented tapered candles adds a beautiful touch to the wedding meal.“, says Sasha Lord.
The scent you choose should reflect the day’s personality. Fresh, citrusy fragrances offer energy and brightness, while deeper scents like sandalwood or vanilla create warmth and intimacy. Consider what feels right for the mood you want to evoke.
“Much like visual elements, such as flowers and table settings, scent can contribute to the overall ambience and create a lasting memory of your joyous day!“, says Sasha Lord.
With carefully chosen aromas you can create a unique olfactory experience tailored to the specific theme, style and overall ambiance of your wedding venue.
Creating Scent Touchpoints
Scent is deeply tied to memory, so it’s essential to weave fragrance into key areas of your venue. The entrance is vital – it’s where first impressions are made, and scent will be part of that. I once walked into a wedding with soft lavender candles glowing at the entrance. That soothing aroma lingered in the background throughout the entire event, welcoming guests without being overwhelming.
Dinner tables are another essential touchpoint. Now, I’m not saying your meal should smell like roses, but imagine subtly scented taper candles—something like rosemary or thyme—that blend beautifully with the food. It’s like pairing the perfect wine with your meal, only for the nose.
The key is not to forget the loos! ALWAYS include scent there, it is a NECESSITY.
“Look at how you can encapsulate the essence of each space, creating scent touchpoints throughout the day.”, says Sasha Lord. “The setting, surrounding landscape, and even seasonal nuances can positively influence your scent choice to resonate emotionally and evoke the special significance of that chosen place.”
Scenting Overlooked Spaces
Don’t forget the less glamorous spaces at your wedding venue, like the bathrooms! Yes, really. Trust me, guests will notice a well-scented bathroom. Electronic diffusers are ideal for spaces where candles aren’t allowed, and a luxurious hand wash in your chosen scent ties the room to the overall theme.
I once attended a wedding where the bathrooms smelled of fresh eucalyptus, and it was a game changer. People were genuinely surprised, with one guest even commenting, “I feel like I’m at a spa!” It’s those little details that can make a difference.
Candles, Diffusers, and Room Sprays
Candles are the unsung heroes of scenting a wedding venue. Their glow adds warmth and intimacy while their fragrance fills the air. Scatter them across tables, window sills, and even the bar if your venue allows it.
But don’t stop there. Diffusers are another fantastic option, offering a continuous, lighter fragrance. Place them in high-traffic areas, like hallways or seating lounges, where a lingering scent can create a more relaxed atmosphere. Another tip from Sasha? Use complementary scents in different areas—a floral fragrance in the reception and something earthier near the bar. It adds layers to the scent experience.
For a final touch, spritz a room or linen spray just before guests arrive. Imagine the delight when someone moves a napkin, and a faint floral scent rises. Now that’s an unforgettable moment.
The Symbolism Behind Fragrance Choices
Fragrance doesn’t have to be random; it can be personal. Think about scents that resonate with you and your partner. Maybe you travelled to Italy and fell in love with the smell of lemon trees. Using a citrus-based fragrance can remind you both of that trip. Or, if you’re a winter bride who loves the smell of pine, using pine-based scents could bring back memories of cosy nights by the fire. In this way, fragrance becomes part of your story, not just an accessory to your wedding.
Lessons Learned: My Own Experience
When I planned my wedding, I didn’t give much thought to the scent of the venue. Sure, we had candles, but they were more for decoration than fragrance. Looking back, I wish I had taken the time to choose scents that reflected our personal experiences, like the scent of wildflowers that remind us of our weekend hikes.
What I’ve learned is that scent anchors emotions to a space. Long after the last dance and the cake has been eaten, the scent remains. That whiff of gardenia from a stranger’s perfume on the street will take you back to your wedding day in a way that’s so powerful, that you’ll feel like you’re reliving it.
Final Thoughts on How to Scent Your Wedding Venue
When thinking about how to scent your wedding venue, keep it purposeful and subtle. Fragrance is more than just a finishing touch; it’s a way to tell your story. It adds layers to the atmosphere and memories of your day. Trust me, long after your wedding is over, a familiar scent will be one of the most powerful reminders of your joyous day.
