Tag: occasion

How to Throw a Perfume Party…

Summer is the perfect time to gather your friends and family for a truly memorable event: a Perfume Party. Whether you’re looking for a lively garden gathering or a cosy evening of scent exploration, we reckon you’ll agree that this idea is as versatile as it is scent-fully fabulous.

 

Here’s how to throw the ultimate fragrant bash, featuring the Perfume Society’s exquisite Discovery Boxes – each one a veritable a treasure trove of olfactory wonders…

 

 

 

Setting the Scene: A Perfume Picnic or a Chilled Olfactory Occasion?

If the sun is shining, why not take your Perfume Party outdoors? Transform your garden or patio into a fragrant paradise with tables adorned in flowers and colours that echo the vibrant hues of the Discovery Boxes. Think bright yellows, soft pinks, and golden tones – just like the notes inside the Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box. Lay out blankets, scatter cushions, and let the summer breeze carry the scents through the air.

For a more relaxed vibe, set up inside with plenty of comfy seating and good lighting, or even consider a ‘scented sleepover’ (because why should pyjama parties only be for kids, eh? And how much more fun with some perfumes and bubbles!) The focus is on fragrant discovery, conversation, and the shared joy of scent.

 

 

 

The Discovery Boxes: Your Fragrant Party Guests

At the heart of your Perfume Party are the Perfume Society’s curated Discovery Boxes. Each box is a carefully selected collection, perfect for sampling, sharing, and sparking lively discussions.

 

Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box

 

Embrace the season with the Liquid Sunshine Discovery Box, a limited edition set that captures the essence of summer. Each scent is a ray of golden light:

 

 

Molton Brown Rose Dunes 1.5ml Eau de Toilette: A delicate, sun-warmed rose kissed with sea salt, evoking lazy afternoons on the dunes.

Ruth Mastenbroek Gaia 2ml Eau de Toilette: Earthy, green, and uplifting – like a walk through a wildflower meadow at dawn.

Parfums de Marly Valaya 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Crisp, sparkling, and elegant, with a hint of fresh citrus and soft florals.

Lalique Soleil 1.8ml Eau de Parfum: Warm, radiant, and enveloping – imagine amber and vanilla bathed in sunlight.

Memoize Concordia 2ml Eau de Parfum: Vibrant, zesty, and joyful, with unexpected twists of spice and fruit.

Floral Street Sunflower Pop 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Bright, cheerful, and playful – a burst of sunflower and citrus that’s pure summer in a bottle.

Jeroboam Oriento 1ml Extrait de Parfum: Rich, mysterious, and exotic, with smoky woods and a touch of spice.

skinSense Hydranet Face Mask 25ml: A refreshing treat for the skin, perfect for a summer skincare moment between sniffing sessions.

£21 (VIP Price £17) in the Shop

 

 

Luxurious Fragrances Discovery Box

 

For those who crave opulence, the Luxurious Fragrances Discovery Box is a showcase of fifteen outstanding scents, each set to stun and delight:

 

 

BDK Parfums Vanille Leather 2ml Eau de Parfum: Decadent vanilla meets supple leather – smooth, sensual, and utterly indulgent.

Brioni Suave 1.8ml Eau de Parfum: Sophisticated and refined, with aromatic woods and a whisper of spice.

Creed Aventus 2ml Eau de Parfum: Bold, confident, and iconic – pineapple, birch, and musk for the modern adventurer.

Edeniste Oud Ghazal 2ml Eau de Parfum: Deep, resinous oud with a touch of sweetness – mysterious and magnetic.

Goldfield & Banks Mystic Bliss 2ml Eau de Parfum: Aromatic, fresh, and uplifting – like a breeze through Australian bushland.

Lacoste Original 2ml Eau de Parfum: Classic, clean, and sporty – a timeless scent for every occasion.

Maison Crivelli Oud Stallion 1.5ml Extrait de Parfum: Powerful, woody, and animalic – a scent for the bold.

Ruth Mastenbroek London Dusk 2ml Eau de Parfum: Moody, atmospheric, and elegant – London at twilight.

Memoize London Aurora 2ml Extrait de Parfum: Ethereal, luminous, and otherworldly – a scent inspired by the northern lights.

Molton Brown Mesmerising Oudh Accord and Gold 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Opulent, spicy, and golden – a true treasure.

Oman Luxury Paramour 2ml Eau de Parfum: Exotic, floral, and intoxicating – romance in a bottle.

Ormonde Jayne Muscat 2ml Eau de Parfum: Crisp, fruity, and effervescent – like a glass of chilled Muscat wine.

Parfums de Marly Valaya 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: (Yes, this star appears in both boxes – a testament to its modern icon status.)

The Merchant of Venice Gold Regatta 2ml Eau de Parfum: Sparkling, golden, and festive – a celebration in scent.

Officine Universelle Buly Eau Triple Fragrance 9ml Eau de Parfum: (A surprise generous size picked from the La Douzaine Parfumée collection)

Officine Universelle Buly Pommade Concrete 10ml Hand and Foot Cream: A luxurious treat for hands and feet, perfect for pampering.

£35 (VIP Price £31) in the Shop

 

 

 

Fragrant Fantasy Discovery Box

 

For those who love a touch of adventure and intrigue, the Fragrant Fantasy Discovery Box is a passport to imagination…

 

 

D’otto 1+7 1.5ml Extrait de Parfum: Mysterious, complex, and layered – a scent full of secrets.

Maison Crivelli Neroli Nasimba 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Zesty, floral, and vibrant – like a simmering, sunlit citrus grove.

Tocca Colette 1.5ml Eau de Parfum: Flirty, playful, and feminine – a bouquet of peony and violet.

Jean Paul Gaultier Scandal Pour Homme 1.5ml Eau de Toilette: Bold, woody, and seductive – for the modern gentleman.

Maya Njie Tobak 2ml Eau de Parfum: Warm, smoky, and nostalgic – leather and tobacco with a modern twist.

Montblanc Explorer Ultra Blue 2ml Eau de Parfum: Fresh, energetic, and invigorating – adventure in a bottle.

Experimental Perfume Club Pistachio Haiku 2ml Eau de Parfum: Creamy, nutty, and poetic – a scent to spark conversation.

BDK 312 Saint-Honoré 2ml Eau de Parfum: Chic, floral, and urban – Parisian elegance at its finest.

Yardley London English Rose Hand Cream 50ml: A classic English rose scent, perfect for keeping hands soft and fragrant.

£22 (VIP Price £18) in the Shop

 

 

Perfume Party Ideas and Tips

 

Scent Matching: Playfully ‘match’ each guest to a perfume you think suits their personality. It’s a fun way to spark conversation and laughter.

Blindfolded First Impressions: Blindfold guests and let them sniff each fragrance, sharing their immediate thoughts and feelings. It’s amazing how scent can evoke vivid memories and emotions.

Sample Swapping: Encourage guests to swap their favourite samples and discuss what they love (or don’t) about each scent.

Lucky Dip: Guests get a scented surprise as they wont know what they’re choosing – a brilliant way to ensure everyone explores outside of their usual ‘comfort zone’. And they may just meet the fragrance of their dreams!

Zoom Sniff-Along: If friends can’t make it in person, send them the same Discovery Box and host a virtual ‘sniff-along’ over Zoom. Pour a glass of something lovely and enjoy a good catch-up while exploring scents together.

Perfume + Cocktail Pairings: Get creative and make cocktails that evoke your favourite fragrance from the box. For example, a citrusy cocktail for Floral Street Sunflower Pop or a smoky old fashioned for Maya Njie Tobak.

Hen Night Perfection: This party idea is ideal for a hen night – unique, interactive, and budget-friendly. Plus, scent and memory are so entwined, your celebration will live long in everyone’s happy memories.

 

 

 

Whether you’re hosting a garden picnic, a relaxed evening in, or a virtual event, the Discovery Boxes offer endless possibilities for fun, fragrant discovery, and a genuine sense of emotional connection. So, gather your friends, open your senses, and let the scents of summer (and beyond) inspire your next unforgettable celebration…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Summer Spritz! (Matching perfumes to drinks for perfect parties)

Summer is the season for sun-drenched gatherings, laughter with friends, and sipping something cool and delicious in the garden. But why should your glass have all the fun? This summer, let your fragrance be as refreshing and playful as your favourite cocktail. We’ve matched five fabulous perfumes to refreshing summer drinks, so you can spritz and sip your way through every party with style and flair.

Picture yourself at a garden soirée, the clink of ice in your glass and the scent of something wonderful on your skin. Here are our top picks for matching perfumes to drinks – each one as vibrant and irresistible as the cocktail it’s inspired by (which we’ve also provided links to recipes for). Cheers!

 

A classic G&T calls for Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling – a fragrance that fizzes with the energy of London in the roaring twenties. It opens with a sparkling hit of juniper berries, instantly conjuring the crispness of a freshly poured gin and tonic. As you linger, spicy cardamom and black pepper swirl through the air, like laughter in a secret speakeasy. The base – a delicious blend of brown sugar, black cherry and vetiver – leaves a sweetly sophisticated trail, perfect for those who love a dash of nostalgia with their evening tipple.

£175 for 100ml eau de toilette penhaligons.com

 

 

 

 

 

If a piña colada is your summer drink of choice, you’ll adore Kajal Aican. This scent bursts open with juicy pineapple, as if you’re sipping a cocktail straight from the fruit itself. Bergamot and apple add a zesty twist, while jasmine and ylang ylang bring a sun-drenched floral heart. The base of vanilla and musk is as smooth as a lazy afternoon, making this fragrance the ultimate choice for anyone who dreams of tropical escapes and poolside parties.

£191 for 100ml eau de parfum kajalperfumes.com

 

 

 

 

Fancy something truly indulgent? We’re LOVING the sound of this Bakewell Tart-ini, and it’s perfectly paired with EAU.MG Frangi Frenzy. Imagine biting into a sweet – yet tart – cherry and almond tart, the scent of rose absolute weaving through the air. A hint of bitter liquorice keeps things interesting, while creamy musk, woody patchouli and tonka linger like the last crumbs of dessert. This gourmand delight is for those who believe every party needs a little treat.

£95 for 50ml extrait de parfum in the Shop

 

 

For lovers of sangria, 4160Tuesdays Take Me to the River is a must. This fragrance captures the easygoing spirit of summer with a burst of ripe berries and citrus, just like the first sip of a perfectly chilled sangria. As it settles, a rich red wine and rum accord emerges, mingling with subtle spices and woods. It’s the scent of lazy afternoons, laughter, and stories shared as the sun goes down.

£100 for 50ml eau de parfum in the Shop

 

 

 

 

 

And if nothing says summer quite like a mojito, reach for Diptyque Eau de Menthe. This scent is as invigorating as freshly crushed mint leaves, cooled with a breeze of nutmeg and a whisper of sweetness. Geranium and patchouli add an earthy depth, grounding the fragrance like the muddled herbs at the bottom of your glass. It’s pure refreshment in a bottle – the perfect companion for sunlit patios and long, balmy evenings.

£160 for 75ml eau de parfum diptyque.com

 

So, whether you’re mixing up cocktails or simply want to capture the spirit of summer, these perfume and drink pairings are sure to make every party a little more fabulous. Here’s to a season of spritzing and sipping: hoorah!

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Bridesmaid Fragrances (what to wear without overshadowing the bride)

Picture the delicate balance of a wedding day: the bride radiant at the centre, surrounded by a constellation of bridesmaids, each a vision in their own right. As a bridesmaid, choosing a fragrance is about finding something that feels personal, elegant, and celebratory, yet never threatens to outshine the leading lady. The perfect scent for the day should whisper rather than shout, lingering in the air with understated charm, a gentle reminder of the joy and beauty of the occasion.

These fragrances are not only ideal for bridesmaids – they make wonderful choices for wedding guests, too. Just as it’s considered the height of wedding day etiquette to avoid wearing white as a guest, so too is it best to steer clear of any outfit – or indeed, any scent – that might overshadow the bride.

 

 

The perfumes featured here are crafted with subtlety and charm in mind; they are not the kind to dominate a room or announce your presence from twenty paces away. Instead, each one carries a distinct and memorable personality, ensuring you’ll feel confident and elegant throughout the celebrations – and long after the confetti has settled.

Whether you’re standing by the bride’s side or raising a glass to the happy couple, these scents offer a touch of individuality and grace, making them just as wearable for a lifetime as they are for a single, special day…

 

 

 

Granado Jardim Real

Step into the golden light of a Rio de Janeiro garden, where the air shimmers with the zest of bergamot and mandarin, as effervescent as laughter. The heart blooms with orange blossom, its creamy sweetness tempered by magnolia and jasmine – a bouquet picked at the height of summer. There is a romantic delicacy here, a whisper of pink pepper adding a subtle spark, while sandalwood and patchouli anchor the scent in timeless elegance. It is a fragrance that moves like silk, swirling around its wearer with the lightness of a floral breeze – never overwhelming, always poised. For the bridesmaid who wishes to carry the spirit of celebration in every step, this is the scent that lingers in the air long after she has walked by – a memory as beautiful as the day itself.

Try it as part of the Granado Coleção Perfumes Discovery Set, £58 for 5 x 10ml

 

 

Tocca Giulietta

Picture a sun-drenched villa by the sea, where green apples glisten on the vine and roses tumble over whitewashed walls. This fragrance is a daydream of romance, its heart a bouquet of Bulgarian rose, ylang-ylang, and pink tulips, woven with the freshness of lily of the valley and iris. There is a sweetness here, but it is soft, never saccharine – balanced by the earthiness of cedarwood and the warmth of vanilla orchid. It is the scent of a bridesmaid who embodies timeless grace, her presence as refreshing as a Mediterranean breeze – her fragrance as light and uplifting as a morning in Capri. She is elegance itself, never overpowering, always enchanting.

£85 for 50ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

 

 

 

 

Creed Spring Flower

A burst of apricot and bergamot, as bright and cheerful as a ribbon tied in one’s hair. This fragrance is a celebration of spring, its fruity heart dancing with powdery rose, tuberose, and jasmine – a bouquet that feels both vintage and utterly modern. The base is a whisper of cedar, vanilla, and sheer white musk, grounding the scent in warmth and comfort. It is the fragrance of a bridesmaid who brings joy to the occasion, her scent as light and uplifting as laughter – never heavy, never cloying, always just right. She is the one who brightens the room, her presence as fresh as a garden after rain – her fragrance a gentle reminder of happiness.

£265 for 75ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

 

 

Memoize Rose Luxuria

A cascade of raspberry and blackcurrant, as rich and velvety as a summer dessert, opens this scent with a flourish. The heart is a fairy-tale bouquet – ylang-ylang, muguet, and tuberose – wrapped in vanilla and powdered sugar, as airy as meringue and as comforting as a warm embrace. There is a gourmand sweetness here, but it is balanced by a musky cloud – light and playful, never overwhelming. It is the fragrance of a bridesmaid who sparkles with joy, her scent as indulgent as a secret treat, yet never stealing the show. She is the one who dances through the day, her presence as delightful as a confection – her fragrance a whisper of happiness and warmth.

£227 for 100ml extrait de parfum in the Shop

 

 

Yardley English Jasmine

A morning meadow bathed in golden light, where white blossoms unfurl beneath a sky brushed with lemon and mandarin. This scent is an opulent embrace of jasmine and tuberose, their heady richness softened by the innocence of calamondin and frangipani. The base is a whisper of precious musk and cedarwood, lending depth without weight – a gentle caress on the skin. It is the fragrance of a bridesmaid who moves with quiet elegance, her presence felt but never forceful, her bouquet a reminder of timeless beauty and gentle restraint. She is the one who smiles softly, her scent as memorable as a sunlit garden – lingering long after the vows are spoken.

£18 for 125ml eau de toilette boots.com

 

Glossier YOU Fleur

Imagine petals caught in a sunbeam, delicate and dewy, kissed by the morning mist. This scent unfurls with a whisper of neroli and the crispness of just-picked pear, as if plucked from an orchard at dawn. Beneath the airy floral veil, a soft musk hums, warm and intimate, inviting you closer – but never demanding the spotlight. It lingers like a blush on the skin – fresh, flirty, and utterly wearable, as though spring itself were wrapped around your pulse points. No cloying sweetness, no powdery heaviness, just a gentle hum of ambroxan and iris, grounding the bouquet in a way that feels both familiar and elusive. It is the fragrance of a bridesmaid who glides through the day with effortless grace, radiating quiet confidence, never upstaging the bride, but always remembered for her charm.

£70 for 50ml eau de parfum uk.glossier.com

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Fragrances for Trooping the Colour

Fancy some grand perfumes suitable to scent a magnificent occasion? With a truly beloved royal ceremony taking place this coming weekend, we felt it was time to unfurl the bunting and fly the flag for fragrances that make any occasion feel extra special…

 

Every year, as the second Saturday of June arrives, London transforms into a stage of unparalleled pageantry. Over 1,400 officers and soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 musicians converge upon Horse Guards Parade in a spectacular display that has marked the Sovereign’s official birthday since 1748. The ceremony of Trooping the Colour stands as one of Britain’s most magnificent traditions, where precision, heritage, and grandeur unite in a symphony of scarlet tunics, gleaming brass, and thundering hooves.

 

 

Just as this annual celebration captures the very essence of royal splendour, here are some fragrances we feel bottle the spirit of excitement, colour and a dash of British eccentricity in olfactory form. Together, they curate a fragrant anthology of British style, each chapter written in a different olfactory hand yet all celebrating the same magnificent tradition that continues to captivate the world…

 

 

 

Thameen Fanfare draws inspiration from the vibrant flower market at Covent Garden, embodying what perfumer Bruno Jovanovic describes as ‘contemporary British aesthetic’ with ‘a touch of impertinence.’ This gorgeously fresh yet floral-filled Cologne elixir billows for hours, representing the spirit of modern Britain – sophisticated yet playful, traditional yet daring.

Currently £250 for 100ml Cologne Elixir selfridges.com

 

 

 

 

 

Atkinsons British Bouquet pays homage to Beau Brummell, the original dandy who pioneered the three-piece suit and defined sartorial elegance. It captures the essence of British refinement and the art of impeccable grooming that has defined British style for centuries, via citrusy top notes of bitter orange and caviar lemon with a heart of lavender, myrtle, and malt, and a base of leather and amber accords.

Currently £132 for 100ml eau de toilette flannels.com

 

 

Penhaligon’s The Inimitable William Penhaligon celebrates the founder himself – a humble Cornish barber who ascended to serve royalty and built one of Britain’s most prestigious perfume houses. This woody composition with bergamot, incense, and Haitian vetiver represents the entrepreneurial spirit and craftsmanship that built British luxury.

£245 for 75ml eau de parfum sephora.co.uk

 

 

 

Floris Mulberry Fig takes inspiration from St. James’s Park, one of London’s oldest Royal Parks, just steps from the brand’s historic Jermyn Street premises. This floral amber creation captures the tranquil grandeur of royal gardens, where fig trees tower over peaceful lakes amidst some of Britain’s most famous landmarks.

£180 for 100ml eau de parfum florislondon.com

 

 

 

 

Jack Perfumes JACK represents the wit and irreverent charm of its creator, actor Richard E. Grant, who describes it as his ‘signature in scent’. This addictive blend of lime, marijuana leaves, mandarin, and vetiver embody that particularly British ability to be both utterly charming and cheekily subversive (much like Mr. Grant himself!)

£95 for 100ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

 

As the final notes of the Trooping the Colour ceremony fade and the crowds disperse, these five fragrances remain as lasting tributes to pomp and ceremony in liquid form – whether through Thameen’s literal fanfare, Atkinsons’ heritage craftsmanship, Penhaligon’s intimate portraiture, Floris’s garden party elegance, or Jack’s irreverent charm. In wearing any of these remarkable creations, we can carry a piece of that ceremonial splendour in fragrant form – to any occasion befitting of such scented celebrations (be that a wedding, a grand dinner, or simply to the supermarket if we feel like it!)

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Scents for Epsom Derby Ladies Day: Saddles, Turf, and Silks

Continuing our Scents of Occasion series celebrating late spring and early summer events in fragrant form, our focus now is for Epsom Derby Ladies Day. A spectacle of elegance, colour, and tradition – a day where the air is charged with excitement and the senses are awakened by the theatre of racing and fashion. What better way to mark the occasion than with a fragrance that evokes the very spirit of the occasion?

Here, we explore scents inspired by the leather of saddles, the lush green turf, and the shimmering silks of both jockeys and racegoers. Why not let your scent be even more memorable than your hat – and may your day at the Derby be a fragrant triumph…

 

Leather – The Saddles

 

 

Maison Crivelli Oud Stallion

A gallop of saffron and cardamom, smoky oud and supple leather – the thrill of the race, the warmth of sunlit saddles, and a whisper of rose in the wind.

£220 for 50ml extrait de parfum harrods.com

 

 

Ojar Stallion Soul

Incense and pink pepper crackle above a heart of leather and oud, with rose and carnation lending a velvet touch, musky and magnetic as the winning stride.

£195 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

Sarah Baker Riders

Hay and grass, leather reins, a ripe peach savoured mid-ride; vetiver and tobacco smoulder as the stables echo with laughter and the promise of adventure.

£125 for 50ml extrait de parfum in our shop

 

 

Turf – The ‘Going’

 

 

Wales Perfumery Country

Daffodil and fig leaf drift on a breeze of cut grass, water and vetiver; a green, dewy morning on emerald turf, soft woods grounding the wild, open air.

£81 for 50ml eau de parfum in our shop

Vyrao Mamajuju

Red clay and rum seep through saffron and cardamom, sandalwood and vetiver anchoring the scent of rain-soaked earth beneath racing hooves.

£165 for 50 ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

 

 

Vallense Spirit

Mitcham mint and geranium awaken the senses, while fir balsam, cedar, and holy grass conjure petrichor and the magnetic hush just before the race begins.

Try in their Discovery Set (all three Vallense fragrance samples for £21) in our shop

 

 

Silks – The Gowns and Colours

 

 

Creed Queen of Silk

Osmanthus and magnolia shimmer over tuberose and passion fruit; vanilla and incense trail like the swish of a silk gown, regal and irresistibly soft.

£265 for 75ml eau de parfum libertylondon.com

 

 

Angela Flanders Shantung Dream

Neroli and petitgrain float above gardenia, jasmine, and fig; a sunlit silk scarf fluttering in the breeze, warm amber and sandalwood glowing gently on the skin.

From £85 for 30ml eau de parfum angelaflanders-perfumer.com

FLORIS_TUBEROSE_IN_SILK

Floris Tuberose in Silk

Green tuberose, iris, and orange blossom open to a heart of jasmine; benzoin and musk enfold you in a veil of silk – pure, sensual, and luminous.

£180 for 100ml eau de parfum florislondon.com

 

 

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

7 wedding fragrance consultations: in-store & online

Picking a new perfume can be difficult enough at the best of times, but for your wedding day? That’s piling on the pressure!

Whichever scent you select, this will forever remind you of the day, a scented memory to treasure forever, and we know many couples don’t just want to wear the same ol’ fragrance they wear every day. After all, you’re unlikely to be rocking up to the chapel in whatever outfit you happened to find on the floor that day (we hope!) so why would your scent be a second thought?

But where to begin?

Firstly, here are some questions to ask yourself…

What’s the style of your dress and theme of the wedding? Relaxed, formal, opulent, casual, classic, modern…? The style of your fragrance should fit comfortably with the occasion.

Is there an overall colour-theme for the wedding and celebrations afterwards? Colour can be a great guide to which fragrances you might be drawn to. Pale feature colours are unlikely to fit with a decadent, ambrée style scent and vice-versa.

What flowers will be in your bouquet or decorating the venue, and are they fragranced or unscented? A strongly scented set of floral arrangements could fight with a fragrance that’s wildly different (and we definitely don’t want fights on a wedding day!)

Are there types of fragrances you already love? Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to branch out – take our Find Your Next Fragrance test online to see where to begin looking. All you need to know is the name of a fragrance you already love, and we’ll suggest six other fragrances that you’re bound to find something wonderful within…

We’ll be suggesting some ideal scents for brides and grooms to try later in the week, but for now we’ve rounded-up a selection of some of the best fragrance profiling sessions around, so read on to see which sounds best for you (or try them all!)

These are specialised boutiques that offer an expert consultant to help guide you through the myriad of scents of offer, who will sit with you, ask a number of questions and help you work out exactly which one is best for you. A fantastic service at any time, for a big occasion it’s a life-saver, giving you the time and space to really find that special day’s perfect scent…

Atkinsons Wedding Fragrance Consultations 

If the newlywed Queen Victoria was honoured by Atkinsons with her very own Nuptial Bouquet*, then why not embrace your inner highness with an equally majestic scent for your wedding day? Atkinsons London welcomes brides and grooms-to-be in store for a range of fabulous services.

Their flagship team at their incredibly beautiful 41 Burlington Arcade boutique, will firstly take you through a bespoke experience to match you with your ideal perfume for your perfect day. We’re told this results in a fragrance for life. Their perfume profiling is a truly memorable experience; thorough, in-depth and one that speaks to the soul – it comes highly recommended.

The service can further continue downstairs in their salon with a wedding day hair consultation from their uber-talented hairdresser, Umberto.

By appointment, please call 0207 998 6166 to book or email [email protected]

*Pictured – the original Atkinsons order form from Queen Victoria for her wedding day scent Nuptial Bouquet

atkinsons1799.com

Ormonde Jayne Made-to-Measure service

For those wanting to have a personal twist on the scent for their special day, we introduce to you; Ormonde Jayne’s Made to Measure service. A luxurious service offered in their newly refurbished, and rather beautiful, boutique in The Royal Arcade, off Old Bond Street.

The Made to Measure service allows brides-to-be to choose their favourite scent from the Ormonde Jayne collection, (you’ll be taken through them by one of their impeccably trained staff) and then have it re-poured with your desired oil concentration, allowing up to 42% (the average eau de parfum is between 15-25%). Expect impressive, powerful results and a scent that will last til the very end of your special day.

This is personalised even further by the option to engrave one’s initials, and perhaps the wedding date – a lovely touch – onto the cap or bottle. Followed finally by a beautiful gift-wrapping service.

And while you wait? Graze on heavenly chocolates (courtesy of their delicious neighbours Charbonnel & Walker), sip on champagne and daydream about what will be the most magical, memorable, day of your life.

By appointment only, call 0207 499 1100 to book. Ormonde Jayne, 12 The Royal Arcade, 28 Old Bond Street, London, W1S 4SL

ormondejayne.com

Penhaligon’s Fragrance Profiling Session

Penhaligon’s offer this complimentary service in some of their standalone stores, which begin with being ushered into a private area and, over a refreshing tea (or perhaps some more-refreshing fizz) the consultant asking you some carefully thought-out questions by which to guide them into recommending several pairs of their fragrances to try.

Then, judging from your reaction (with both verbal and non-verbal cues, such as smiling, or paying attention to your eyebrows!) they discover the direction to explore together. A quick water break after five pairs of fragrances, to help cleanse the palate, options are refined down to finding the perfect perfume. Can’t make it to one of their boutiques? No problem, for Penhaligon’s have cleverly come up with online Profiling, and will even send you two samples from the selection of six selected as best for you (the cost of which they’ll deduct if you then go on to purchase a 100ml bottle).

Those who’ve taken part report that before the session, they thought they didn’t have any strong ideas about particular types of scents they were looking for, but by the end had formed a much clearer idea as to the best ones to look out for – so a service that’s helpful for the rest of your life, not only for a wedding day!

To book your own complimentary Fragrance Profiling consultation call your nearest Penhaligon’s store.

penhaligons.com

Floris London ‘Together’ Bespoke Fragrance Service

As part of their in-house bespoke perfumery service, ‘Together’ is a 3-hour appointment perfect for couples searching for truly unique scents, speacially composed with a Floris perfumer at at their flagship Floris boutique. Upon ordering online, ahead of the session you receive a beautifully presented gift box, including two bottles already engraved with your initials, as well as a guide to prepare you for your appointment.

Your session begins with a welcome from a member of the Floris family themselves, who will give you both a short overview of the company. Then, while you enjoy your glasses of champagne, your bespoke perfumer asks you to choose from a wide selection of fine fragrance bases, and throughout the appointment as you learn about fragrance creation (from the oldest privately owned family perfumers in the world), you will craft your scents with the introduction of new accords to complement your taste, until both your unique tailored fragrances are complete.

For peace of mind, your private record will be securely archived in the Floris ledgers for you and your future generations to reorder when required (which is completely delightful, don’t you think?) and repeat orders of 100ml bespoke fragrance can be ordered for £160 each.

£800 for 2 x 100ml bespoke fragrances. By appointment at Floris London, – order your engraved bottles online, and your session will take place at 89, Jermyn Street.

florislondon.com

Creed Fragrance Consultation

Offering you the chance to completely ‘immerse yourself in a world of unrivalled fragrance, coveted candles and rich bath and body care’ at the Creed Boutique, here you could find not only your perfect wedding fragrances, but matching scented products to give as bridesmaids gits or even to scent the tabels at your reception to continue the sensory theme.

Their exquisite lower ground floor offers a private and restful environment where guests can experience luxurious and bespoke fragrance consultations, uncovering their perfect signature scent for any occasion. The boutique’s team of highly-trained experts can accommodate almost any fragrance need, guiding guests through an impressive journey of scent discovery whilst enjoying a glass of Champagne. How civilised!

To book your bespoke consultation please contact The Creed Boutique, 99 Mount St, London W1K 2TF, call 0207 495 1795 or email [email protected]

creedfragrances.co.uk

Atelier Cologne Experience

At their utterly stunning (and so-colourful) Covent Garden boutique, Atelier Cologne offer an experience of a privileged moment for each client. Beginning with a bespoke perfume consultation, you’ll be introduced to each of the collections’ bestsellers, and from that discover your own personal ‘perfume wardrobe’. While spraying, the Perfume Artists tell the story that inspired the Cologne Absolue. ‘It is through this storytelling that customers’ imagination, memories and emotions are triggered, helping them make a final choice perfectly matching their personality and individual story.’

At the Atelier, the unique engraving workshop offers long-lasting Cologne lovers the chance to personalise their ‘keepsake’ travel spray. Clients can choose from more than 15 different colours of leather cases and have their name, initials or a short message engraved on the leather.

This bespoke customisation service is performed in front of each client by the Perfume Artists, in less than five minutes, using custom-made engraving machines. A perfect keepsake for your special day, something to keep forever and have re-filled time and again, and perhaps you can choose mini scents as bridesmaid gifts or the Groom’s Best Man while you’re at it?

The Atelier Cologne Experience is available at 11 The Market Building, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RB.

ateliercologne.com

Experimental Perfume Club Bespoke Workshop

During a three-hour session, you’ll create and perfect your own fragrance with one-to-one expert consultation along the way – exploring in detail a selection of 40 perfumery ingredients, you will be free to browse over two hundred from our lab to achieve your perfect blend.

Along the way, after answering a variety of insightful questions, you’ll find your ‘nose’ and leave with a stronger understanding of fragrance composition, what you like and you dislike and an enriched descriptive vocabulary for your sense of smell. This is a hands-on workshop where the full session is one-to-one with the perfumer at EPC, perfectly suitable for any level of experience and ideal for individuals, couples or private groups. They will tailor the workshop to whatever your needs are, so just ask!

After the workshop you’ll leave that day with a truly signature scent in the form of a 15ml lab bottle of your bespoke fragrance, as well as your perfume formula for future orders and a complimentary 50 ml Eau de Toilette, sent to you within 2 weeks.

£450 for one / £220 for additional participants (includes the first 50ml bottle of your fragrance, delivered two weeks after your workshop). To book, fill in the appointment request form online.

experimentalperfumeclub.com

Written by Suzy Nightingale and Carson Parkin-Fairley