Why Scent is so Important in Wedding Flowers
Flowers are never just flowers. I’m a huge believer in using flowers to tell stories. To evoke old memories and to become a special part of new ones. Many of my first memories involve flowers, I’ll never forget the scent of geranium from my grandparents garden, sticking my nose in a rose as big as my face, or the mint cut for the roast lamb on a Sunday. Whenever I come across these things it takes me straight back to those snippets in time.
What better way to create truly special wedding flowers than to bring these times from your life into your bouquets and arrangements. Embedding the moments and memories with special florals. Special guests and family members will feel in on ‘it’, remembering those precious times alongside you as they watch you marry your love.
Scents Evoke Memories
Scent, emotions and memories are all closely intertwined. Scents are the only sensations that travel a direct path to the emotional and memory centres of the brain. All other senses travel through a switchboard type system first.
Smells are extra special because they can evoke memories that may have otherwise been forgotten. A perfume, a crumble cooking, the seaside, a cake baking, rain on pavements, a special flower, they all have the power to take you back to a moment in time. For me the smell of an Estée Lauder lipstick will instantly make me think of my mum.
Now imagine ten years from your wedding, you walk past a garden and the aroma from the blooms takes you back to that warm fuzzy feeling of your big day. Why not go the extra mile and plant the scented beauties in your garden? Every year they bloom you can get your nose right in there, touch their silky petals, watch the bees buzz around them. There’s just nothing like it.
As much as flowers are temporary, they really are so special and why I believe they are such an important part of so many weddings. And why I also believe that having no scent in your blooms is a totally missed opportunity.
One thing to consider, is that many imported flowers have little to no scent, even flowers you’d typically associate with scent, like roses! Over time where flowers have been bred for vase longevity and strength, it means they’ve also ended up having their scent bred out of them too in many cases. This all comes back round to another benefit of using locally grown beauties, as well as being more environmentally friendly they often have a much stronger scent too!
Read more about using seasonal local flowers
10 of the Best Scented Flowers for Weddings
So what are the best scented flowers for weddings I hear you ask? Of course, you don’t want anything too overpowering that’s going to offend or cause headaches among guests. Lilies and Hyacinth can sometimes have this effect on some guests if used in large quantities. It’s also worth noting that Gypsophila (I know, I know, it’s so popular) is known for its slightly unpleasant smell, noticeable en masse. But there’s so many blooms with the most glorious scent that will bring just a subtle perfume to your day. That will instantly catch attention as they’re brushed past. Here’s just a little selection to think about! I promise adding them to your wedding will make all the difference.
Garden Roses
My absolute favourite! So luxurious, with truly the most stunning aroma. Your typical long stem roses bred for vase longevity and strength, will never ever compare. British grown garden roses don’t last as long but THAT HEAVENLY SMELL, just gorgeous. Why not plant that same rose from your bouquet in your garden and enjoy them for a lifetime! Bringing back the wonderful memories each and every year.Sweet Peas
A totally beautiful late spring / summer bloom, opt for the individual stems or long tendrils with their foliage - perfect for that classic cottage garden feel. These beauties come in an array of gorgeous colours, and super easy to grow at home too.Peonies
The peoples princess, a real favourite! They really do smell as good as they look. Only available for a short time through May and June but so so perfect with such a glorious scent. A stunning array of pink, white, coral, crimson and rich red shades to choose from!
Getting married outside of May and June but love the peony look? Check out my suggestions for seasonal alternatives.Stocks
Long stems with a number of gorgeous little ruffled blooms all the way up. From spring all through summer these are just gorgeous with a subtle sweet aroma. White, pinks, purples and my favourite apricot shade bring a lovely structural element to arrangements.Lilac
Another of my absolute favourites, at its peak for a short time in spring. The sweet scent is so unreal. It’s the type of plant I’d stop for every time I go past just to take it in.Philadelphus
You might know this as Mock Orange in your garden. A gorgeous lush green shrub with an abundance of white blooms. They really do smell incredibly similar to orange blossom and they’re just totally beautiful. Again they flower far to briefly for my liking, blink and you’ll miss them, but if you’re getting married in June these are a must!Lavender
A real country garden favourite and a keeper! That aroma known for it’s relaxing properties, just perfect for a sniff before you head down the aisle. A sprig on a napkin is such a lovely touch too.
Genista
A sweet smelling petite little bloom, on lovely long tendrils. Just ideal for bringing perfume to winter weddings. Just gorgeous for adding a loose, wild touch to bouquets and arrangements.
Narcissus
Another favourite for Winter and Spring in an array of gorgeous whites, cream and gold shades. Truly the smell to epitomise the coming of longer and brighter days.
Flowering Herbs
Aside from Lavender, there’s also Mint, Oregano, Sage, Rosemary, and all sorts of lovely herbs that have pretty little blooms paired with their gorgeous scented foliage. These little beauties are perfect for boutonnières too, bringing a little touch of sweet scent to the lapels.
In a bouquet those scents will give you a little something to enjoy, just you and your love during intimate moments - bringing that rose to your nose. In larger arrangements like gateways, arches and staircases, your guests will brush past and be delighted, sparking nostalgia in years to come.
So are you convinced? Will you be looking to include scent into your wedding flowers? I can’t wait to chat with you all about your special day, and how we can frame your day with beauty, charm and delight your guests with the floral perfumes of your blooms. Get in touch to book your complimentary consultation.