The other bridal bouquet

A bride sans perfume is like a flower with no aroma. Beautiful perhaps, but that mysterious special something is missing. Perfume is capable of evoking intimate feelings in a woman, of transmitting messages of love without words, and of leaving permanent prints in one's memory.

That's why a bride should carefully select the perfume the she is to use on her special day with the same care that she chooses her wedding dress and flowers. But finding the right fragrance is not an easy task. Although it is a tangible item (as is the golden liquid in those fabulous crystal flasks) when it meets the skin it transforms and become an intimate, unique essence. That's why a perfume that smells stunning on one person does not necessarily have the same effect on somebody else.

In addition to the relationship between the aroma and skin, the bride's personality and nature should be taken into account when choosing one or more perfumes. If she feels romantic and dreamy, her scent should be fresh and floral; if she feels passionate her scent should be enticing. In the end, perfumes can perfectly express every facet of her personal style. That's why it's difficult for one perfume to represent every single one of her moods. It's like if she wore the same dress to her bachelorette party, wedding and honeymoon.

What do you do to avoid failure when selecting a fragrance? Experts recommend some basic rules. First of all, you should understand that buying a perfume takes a good amount of time. It's not as easy as simply visiting the cosmetics counter, opening up a flask, dabbing some perfume on your wrist and deciding whether or not to make a purchase.

You have got to remember that perfume is not a static liquid. Oh contraire! Its dynamics lies in its three olfactory notes: the first scent is the freshest and the one you get a whiff of at the moment you open the flask and apply the content. This note lasts barely a few minutes. The second note is the one that is considered the body of the fragrance and the one that balances all the elements that come in touch with its composition. Last but not least, the third note is the scent that you will continue to smell throughout the rest of the day. This last note can result in a subtler aroma, or one that is sweet and persistent and sometimes is very different from the very first note. Another bit of advice that specialists recommend has to do with not applying several fragrances all at once. Ideally, you should only try on one, so you can appreciate it in all of its stages.

Skin type is another factor you should consider, since dry skin absorbs perfume oils more rapidly, and can make the scent last less. Dry skin should stick to stronger aromas, musk or wood scent or an oriental one with a spicy base. On the other hand, women with oily skin should avoid strong fragrances and extracts, because their natural body odor can alter the perfume. This is a very important point to consider, especially when choosing the perfume that will be used on your wedding day. Keep in mind that you are likely to become very emotional and your nerves may get the best of you and cause you to sweat. As the body temperature rises, the fragrance intensifies. We recommend that you use a lighter version of your favorite perfume or a softer scent.

Climate also plays a vital role. A humid and warm atmosphere strengthens an aroma, that's the reason why light perfumes are recommended for warm climates. Warm, dry climates deteriorate the sense of smell, and the heat dries the mucus in the nose. Stronger perfumes are recommended for these types of climates. Last but not least, you should also consider the time of day of your ceremony. If you plan to get married in the morning, a soft aroma goes accordingly, while a more intense, sophisticated scent works well with a formal celebration.

In the end, don't overlook this very important detail that is selecting the fragrance you will wear on your special day. There are even those who say that if "love" were to materialize, it would probably be as a liquid with a divine smell and inside a beautiful flask. One that when opened, would release a chain of sensations.