The gown, the shoes, the perfume — scent shopping is probably not as important as the other two items on your list. But what you spritz on as you put on your wedding dress can heighten the romance of the day. Because you connect certain scents to certain memories, the bridal perfume you pick will also carry a deeper purpose than to make you smell exquisite.
But did you know that you have two options here: eau de parfum and perfume oil?
What Is the Difference Between Perfume and Perfume Oil?
Perfume, or eau de parfum, is a mild fragrance. It contains a mixture of alcohol, essential oils, and water. It’s strong enough to be noticeable, but not as mild as eau de toilette.
Perfume oil, on the other hand, is a concentrated form of fragrance. It’s a rich and fuller expression of its fragrance notes (e.g., fruity, floral, woody and earthy, etc.), and it doesn’t contain diluting agents, like water and alcohol.
Which One Do You Pick for Your Wedding Day?
Your choice will depend on what you want out of your fragrance. Your personal preference for certain notes and potency will come into play.
Naturally, your skin condition will also be a significant factor if you happen to be sensitive to certain components or if you want a completely natural fragrance, something that’s free of irritants and synthetic chemicals.
Because their compositions are different, perfume and perfume oil also provide distinct aromatic experiences.
When you choose bridal perfume oil over eau de perfume, you’ll smell spectacular for several more hours. Typically, over eight hours in comparison to the six to eight hours from a perfume.
Apart from longevity, the fragrances also differ in intensity.
The scent of perfume is noticeable; guests immediately get a whiff of the fragrance as you make your way down the aisle or at each table during the reception. Although it’s highly concentrated, perfume oil is subtle and intimate, enticing the groom to get closer to you because it stays closer to the skin. Perfume tends to stay in the air, allowing guests to still detect your fragrance even when you’ve moved on.
With perfume oil, the scent allows for discovery. With perfume, the scent declares itself.
When it comes to application, perfume usually comes in a spray bottle. You can spritz it on your skin, wedding gown, or in the air as you step into your dress.
Since most perfume products are made with synthetic chemicals, it might contain allergens and irritants. If you have sensitive skin, this type of fragrance might not be the best choice. Although not all perfume oils are organic and natural, they tend to be gentler on the skin.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfume for the Big Day
How do you go scent shopping for your wedding day? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Consider your personal style.
Your personal style is key to finding the right perfume or perfume oil. Just as you’ve done for your wedding dress, gravitate toward scents that echo your personality.
Are you a contemporary bride with a bit of edge? A sophisticated, slightly musky scent might suit you. Maybe you’re a traditional, romantic bride? You’ll likely prefer something more floral and classic.
Factor in the season of your wedding.
When are you getting hitched? The season can affect the longevity, reach, and impact of your perfume.
For example, heat and humidity tend to dissipate the scent of perfume oil. This type of fragrance may be better for fall or winter weddings.
When it comes to the fragrance notes, think sensual and opulent for winter nuptials and light, florals for summer weddings.
Test the perfume.
How do you usually test a perfume or perfume oil? You go to a cosmetics counter in a mall, spritz some on, or dab a couple of drops on your skin or clothes. You smell the fragrance and let your shopping buddies smell it, too. You probably like the notes immediately, or maybe the fragrance grows on you as the day goes on.
A better way of testing perfume or perfume oil is to give it some time. Take a day or two to decide whether the perfume or oil is right for you. It takes a while for fragrance to develop; the first scent is usually not what you’d detect several hours after you’d applied it.
Both perfume and perfume oil have top notes, heart notes, and base notes. You may pick up on woody and earthy top notes of one product, but later on get a whiff of jasmine and blossom heart notes from the same perfume. The real scent tends to unfold over the course of a day, so take your time before picking your bridal fragrance.
Think about layering.
Finally, if you can’t decide whether to go with the intimacy of a perfume oil or the boldness of eau de parfum, use both. Just make sure their scents complement one another. Layer them to enhance the complexity of the fragrance. Dab the skin-friendly oil first and then spritz on the perfume.