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Updated Oct 14, 202421 Wedding Perfumes That Will Make You Fall in Love All Over Again
We have quite the nose for romance.
Photo: Illustration by Tiana Crispino
Finding the perfect wedding perfume is perhaps just as important as finding the right wedding photographer, since our brains strongly associate scents with memories. Just like how the smell of freshly cut grass can take you back to the carefree summer days of your childhood, your bridal fragrance can ignite memories of the day you wore it. Fragrance connoisseur, Emilia O'Toole (also known as Professor Perfume on social media), crafted her own custom scent to wear on her wedding day with hopes of having it serve that exact purpose.
"When I got married, I wore my bridal perfume to all wedding-related activities," says O'Toole. "I wore it when we toured our venue, did our menu tasting, out to my bachelorette party, the rehearsal dinner and the entire week leading up to the wedding." O'Toole and her husband even had their wedding party wear the same unisex scent, so that it filled the entire venue during their reception. "Now every time I smell it, it takes me right back to each of those precious memories," she says.
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But scents aren't only tied to memories. They can also increase feelings of love and attraction (and yes, some even act as aphrodisiacs). "When I think of love and romance, my mind immediately turns to bouquets of flowers–classic roses, narcotic jasmines, dewy gardenias," says O'Toole. "But I also think of lush greens, enchanting woods and soft skin musks." While some fragrances are specifically designed to evoke certain emotions, the reality is that everyone has a different scent that they associate with love. So, how do you go about finding it? We're breaking that down here.
I tested out over 100 different fragrances to figure out which ones would make the best wedding perfumes for brides. Below, you can browse my top picks for every scent family, and easily shop them on the spot.
The best wedding perfumes: Top Picks | How to Choose | Floral | Fresh | Fruity | Warm | Gourmand
10 Best Wedding Perfume Picks, At a Glance
In a hurry? Check out my top ten favorite perfumes for the day of your wedding.
- Best Overall: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede, $168
- Best Floral Scent: Dior Miss Dior, $172
- Best Fresh Scent: Chanel Chance, $176
- Best Fruity Scent: Burberry Her, $168
- Best Warm Scent: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc, $300
- Best Gourmand Scent: Phlur Vanilla Skin, $150
- Best Unisex Scent: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club, $165
- Best Long-Lasting Scent: Juliette Has a Gun Juliette, $150
- Best Budget Option: Glossier You, $78
- Best Splurge: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540, $210
How to Choose Perfume for the Day of Your Wedding
With so many wedding day perfumes to choose from, how do you exactly decide which one is right for you? Don't worry, I've got you covered with a few tips to help narrow down your search.
Choose Your Notes
Each wedding perfume has its own notes, or layers, known as base, top, middle and heart notes. They all work together to create the scent you smell. The main four scent families include floral, fresh, woody and ambry, which break down into subcategories from there. Many to-be-weds opt for florals because they are flirty and romantic, while others prefer something more sultry like a woody sandalwood. Look at the candles around your house or the perfumes you already own, this may give you a hint on what to look for on the shelves.
Try Out a Few Samples
If a fragrance piques your interest, ask to see if any take-home samples are available or consider buying the mini version before investing in the full size for the big day. This is important because scents can change as they sit on your skin and blend with your natural pheromones. The longevity of a scent can also vary depending on whether it's an eau de parfum or an eau de toilette. In general, eau de parfums last longer, since they have a higher concentration of fragrance oil, but you should still test both options to see what you prefer.
Make It a Date Night
If you want to test out the fragrances in person, visit your local beauty or department store with your partner and make this wedding task into a date night. Test out different perfumes and colognes, and don't forget to take notes on the scents you both enjoy.
Best Floral Wedding Perfumes
Floral wedding day scents are just about as classic as you can get. They're associated with beauty, romance and femininity in the same way that actual flowers are. There are endless options when it comes to floral bridal perfumes, so choosing just one can feel like an impossible task. Lucky for you, I tested out plenty of them, and these five were the ones that stood out in the crowd.
1. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede
Photo: Sofia Deeb
"If I could get married again, this is the fragrance I'd wear," the saleswoman told me as she placed a bottle of Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede on the counter. After giving it a whiff, it all made sense. It smells distinctly bridal (which I didn't even know was possible). With fruity and floral main accords and a musky undertone, the scent practically begs to be worn with a pretty white dress.
Key notes: red apple, peony, suede
Price at time of publication: $168 for 100 ml | $85 for 30 ml
2. Gucci Bloom
Photo: Sofia Deeb
An empty bottle is a true testament to how good a fragrance is–and let me tell you, I've emptied more bottles of Gucci Bloom than I can count. I'm biased, of course, because it's been my signature scent ever since it came out a few years ago, but I think it makes *the* perfect wedding perfume. Just as its name implies, Gucci Bloom is extremely floral forward (its main notes are jasmine and tuberose). It's on the bolder side, meaning you'll definitely turn heads as you walk down the aisle.
Key notes: jasmine, tuberose, red vine flower
Price at time of publication: $168 for 100 ml | $105 for 30 ml
3. Dior Miss Dior
Photo: Sofia Deeb
Like many others, I J'adore Dior. Their cult-favorite Miss Dior perfume is not only pretty to look at, but it also smells amazing, with hints of floral notes like lily of the valley, peony and iris. If you order directly from the Dior website, you can get your perfume or cologne bottle engraved with a message of your choosing. How sweet would it be to include your last name, initials or wedding date?
Key notes: lily of the valley, peony, iris
Price at time of publication: $172 for 100 ml | $108 for 30 ml
4. Kayali The Wedding Silk Santal
Photo: Sephora
This perfume has "wedding" written all over it (literally). While I had the pleasure of testing out Kayali's entire line of innovative fragrances, this one stood out to me as the best bridal perfume, and not just because of its name. With a unique opening note of sparkling champagne, The Wedding Silk Santal is certainly worthy of a toast. To top it all off, it comes in a beautiful white bottle that would look great in a flatlay alongside your ring and invitations.
Key notes: sparkling champagne, white freesia, sandalwood
Price at time of publication: $100 for 50 ml | $32 for 10 ml
5. Dior J'adore L'Or
Photo: Sofia Deeb
I seriously don't know how I've been able to go my entire life without smelling Dior's J'adore L'Or. Now that I have, there's no going back. Mark my words, this will be the next fragrance added to my collection, and for good reason. It's a floral scent (orange blossom, rose and jasmine, to be specific), but so unlike anything else in its range. It's bold and sexy and would demand attention on your wedding reception dance floor without a doubt.
Key notes: orange blossom, rose, jasmine
Price at time of publication: $177 for 50 ml | $135 for 35 ml
Best Fresh Wedding Perfumes
Fresh scents are light, bright and clean smelling, like a fresh load of laundry or a bubble bath. They're usually more on the subtle side, making them ideal for those who have adverse reactions to strong scents. You could layer them with other perfumes to create a totally unique scent, but personally, I think these three fragrances are good enough to wear all on their own.
1. Glossier You
Photo: Sofia Deeb
The moment I sprayed Glossier's You, it was love at first smell. Notes of sparkling pink pepper, earthy iris and a warm base make it a fresh scent with a subtle hint of spice. Why is it called "You"? Well, the perfume blends with each person's natural pheromones differently to create a blend that's unique to you. In addition to the perfume, the scent is also available in a deodorant and body cream for anyone like me who simply can't get enough of it.
Key notes: pink pepper, iris, Ambrox
Price at time of publication: $112 for 100 ml | $78 for 50 ml
2. Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gioia
Photo: Sofia Deeb
I was given a bottle of Acqua Di Gioia when it first came out nearly fifteen years ago, and I've been repurchasing it ever since. It's seriously that good. It smells clean and sexy, which is everything you could want from a wedding day perfume. Notes of lemon, jasmine and cedarwood make it an all-around win in my books. Not to mention, the bottle itself is like a work of art and would instantly upgrade any vanity setup.
Key notes: lemon, jasmine, cedarwood
Price at time of publication: $130 for 100 ml | $70 for 30 ml
3. Chanel Chance
Photo: Sephora
If you're not typically a fan of Chanel's fragrances, I urge you to, as the name suggests, take a chance on Chance. Released in 2023, Chance by Chanel has a distinctly modern scent that's unlike any of the others within the brand's collection. The combination of citron, jasmine and teakwood make for a crisp and invigorating scent that would pair perfectly with a clean white dress.
Key notes: citron, jasmine, teakwood
Price at time of publication: $150 for 100 ml | $95 for 35 ml
Best Fruity Wedding Perfumes
Fruity bridal scents are formulated to evoke feelings of comfort and joy for both the wearer, and those around them. Since most of us love fruit, that totally makes sense. However, if you're looking for a fruity fragrance that will remind you of your wedding day, rather than an ordinary day in the kitchen, these three options will get the job done.
1. Burberry Her
Photo: Sofia Deeb
When I found out that one of my colleagues wore Burberry Her to her wedding just a few short weeks ago, I knew I had to test it out. Taylor: If you're reading this you made the right choice. Burberry Her offers the perfect balance of fruity, floral and woody notes. It's also not overpowering, so you really could wear it for any occasion. Add it into your rotation and you can make everyday feel like your wedding day.
Key notes: blackcurrant, jasmine, white woods
Price at time of publication: $180 for 100 ml | $112 for 30 ml
2. LoveShackFancy Forever in Love
Photo: Sofia Deeb
There's a new player in the fragrance game and it's none other than LoveShackFancy. It's no surprise that their debut scent comes in a pink bottle adorned with their signature floral print and a bow on top. But Forever in Love isn't just pretty on the outside. The scent itself fuses notes of green pear, cedarwood and gardenia for a combination that's oh-so dreamy. Just as its name suggests, you'll be forever in love with this perfume once you get your hands on it.
Key notes: green pear, cedarwood, gardenia
Price at time of publication: $125 for 75 ml | $32 for 10 ml
3. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Summer Vibes
Photo: Sofia Deeb
This bottle alone makes me want to hop on a plane to Italy or Greece ASAP. One reviewer described Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Summer Vibes as "summer in a bottle," and I couldn't agree more. It features the distinct scent of Calabrian Bergamot along with subtle touches of peach and cedarwood. If you're planning a coastal destination wedding, trust me when I say you'll want to add this fragrance to your packing list.
Key notes: bergamot, peach, cedarwood
Price at time of publication: $140 for 100 ml | $112 for 50 ml
Best Warm Wedding Perfumes
Warm fragrances are crafted to evoke feelings of coziness and intimacy. Think: A cold winter day snuggled up by the fire, or date nights at your local cocktail lounge. Rick notes like vanilla, musk and wood make up this fragrance family. A lot of warm wedding fragrances are even gender-neutral! Below are a few of my favorite warm wedding perfumes to wear on your big day and beyond.
1. Tom Ford Soleil Blanc
Photo: Sephora
Tom Ford has so many amazing fragrances–I had no idea where to begin my search. (Side note: Did you know that Taylor Swift swears by Tom Ford Santal Blush?) Anyway, the saleswoman told me that brides almost always gravitate towards Soleil Blanc because of its beautiful white and gold bottle. Its subtle coco de mer and cardamom scent can be worn on its own, or layered with others from the collection. Either way, it's a standout option.
Key notes: coco de mer, ylang ylang, cardamom
Price at time of publication: $445 for 100 ml | $195 for 30 ml
2. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540
Photo: Sofia Deeb
When I asked the salesman in Saks Fifth Avenue what the most popular wedding fragrance was, he placed a bottle of Baccarat Rouge 540 on the counter without any hesitation. Despite having never tested it out prior, there was instant familiarity to its scent (which makes sense when you consider that it's one of the top five most popular perfumes in the world). After trying it for myself, I understand why it's so beloved. It's soft and sensual, and above all, unique, thanks to the incorporation of saffron.
Key notes: jasmine, saffron, cedarwood
Price at time of publication: $335 for 70 ml | $210 for 35 ml
3. Byredo Slow Dance
Photo: Sofia Deeb
If the name of this fragrance wasn't enough to make you want to purchase it for your wedding day, its one-of-a-kind scent just might be. Slow Dance is just one of the many innovative, genderless perfumes from Byredo. It fuses notes of opopanax, geranium, labdanum and a whole bunch of other things I've never heard of (but am now a fan of) for a truly mesmerizing scent experience.
Key notes: opopanax, geranium, violet, patchouli, vanilla
Price at time of publication: $320 for 100 ml | $230 for 50 ml
4. Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
Photo: Sofia Deeb
There's a reason I love the smell of old cocktail lounges and jazz clubs. It takes me back to some of my favorite memories with friends–from nights out, to concerts and everything in between. If you share my same sense of nostalgia, you'll love Replica Jazz Club by Maison Margiela. Wear it on your wedding day and the list of memories it evokes will get even longer.
Psst: The Replica collection has a scent for just about any lost memory or emotion you're searching for.
Key notes: tobacco, pink pepper, rum
Price at time of publication: $165 for 100 ml | $85 for 30 ml
5. Juliette Has a Gun Juliette
Photo: Sofia Deeb
Juliette by Juliette Has a Gun was made for the modern heroine. It's bold and somewhat seductive, making it perfect for your wedding day (and night). I recently purchased this fragrance for myself and I can say that one of my favorite things about it is how long it lasts. All you need is a couple spritzes in the morning and you're good to go for the entire day.
Key notes: dark cherry, pink pepper, jasmine, tonka bean
Price at time of publication: $150 for 100 ml | $115 for 50 ml
6. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle
Photo: Sofia Deeb
In my opinion, Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle is one of the most nostalgic scents out there. Most of us have a loved one who wears (or wore) it religiously. When you choose to wear it on your wedding day, you're joining in their legacy. From that moment onward, people will think of you the next time they smell the signature patchouli, tonka bean and vanilla scent. Really, you can't put a price tag on that.
Key notes: patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla
Price at time of publication: $182 for 100 ml | $147 for 50 ml
Best Gourmand Wedding Perfumes
Gourmand fragrances are sweet and indulgent. The word itself refers to people who take pleasure and interest in food. If, like me, you've ever found yourself totally intoxicated by the smell of freshly baked cookies, a gourmand wedding perfume might just be for you. These four are a few of my favorites, since they smell delicious, but still distinctly bridal.
1. Phlur Vanilla Skin
Photo: Sofia Deeb
I'm not sure if you can technically call a perfume "yummy," but that's the first word that came to mind when I tried on Vanilla Skin by Phlur. Vanilla Skin, just as it sounds, is a vanilla-forward scent. It's almost like dabbing a bit of vanilla extract on your wrists, except more complex, since it has underlying notes of cashmere wood. Pro tip: You can layer Vanilla Skin with the brand's Heavy Cream mist for a combination that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Key notes: sugar crystals, cashmere wood, vanilla
Price at time of publication: $99 for 50 ml | $29 for 10 ml
2. Kilian Love Don't Be Shy
Photo: Sofia Deeb
I've never met Rihanna, but I assumed she probably smelled amazing. And guess what? I was right. The salesman at Bloomingdale's introduced me to the brand, Kilian, starting with the scent, Love Don't Be Shy (Fitting name, right?). The perfume fuses several edible notes, including orange blossom, vanilla and marshmallow. I was already singing its praise when he added, "By the way, this is Rihanna's favorite." Needless to say, I was sold.
Key notes: orange blossom, vanilla, marshmallow
Price at time of publication: $450 for 100 ml | $295 for 50 ml
3. Ariana Grande Cloud
Photo: Sofia Deeb
I can imagine that fans of Cloud by Ariana Grande go through bottles of this stuff very quickly. It's a delicious gourmand scent that can be worn for literally any occasion (your wedding day included). Some say it's an exact dupe for Baccarat Rouge 540. Personally, I find it more distinctive. Unlike the former, Cloud features a touch of fruitiness, thanks to notes of juicy pear and crème de coconut. Of course, its cloud-shaped bottle is also unlike anything else on the market right now.
Key notes: lavender, pear, coconut, cashmere
Price at time of publication: $70 for 100 ml | $48 for 30 ml
4. Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry
Photo: Sephora
This one's for all my to-be-weds who want to smell like the treat that they are on their wedding day. In my opinion, Kayali's Lovefest Burning Cherry smells like a freshly baked cherry pie–and no, I'm not exaggerating one bit. It marries the rich gourmand fruit scent with warm and spicy undertones like rose damascena, and palo santo.
Key notes: cherry, rose, palo santo
Price at time of publication: $138 for 100 ml | $100 for 50 ml
