These Are the 12 Best Wedding Perfumes to Wear Down The Aisle

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Do you hear those wedding bells? Fingers are adorned with diamond jewelry, people are running to Amazon to find the best wedding guest dresses, and on top of every other task on a bride’s to-do list, she needs to find the best wedding perfume. You would think that finding the ideal scent wouldn’t be harder than finding the perfect summer fragrance, but there are actually a lot of factors to consider before selecting a scent. “This is your day. Picking a scent should be based on what makes you feel happy, sexy, confident, and even a little love-struck,” says Autumne West, the National Beauty Director at Nordstrom. Beyond finding notes you love, bridal perfumes should also be long-lasting, timeless, and ideally housed in a bottle beautiful enough to make it into your wedding album.

As an August 2023 bride myself, finding the perfect scent for brides is a top priority (what will I be wearing, you ask? Diptyque’s Eau de Minthe Eau de Parfum, my favorite perfume in the world!). I recommend finding a scent that you love and that perfectly fits your venue and the vibe of your wedding. Not sure where to start? We’ve enlisted the help of some fragrance experts to answer all your bridal perfume questions below. Ahead, shop our 13 favorite wedding perfumes that suit every bride.

J'adore Parfum D'eau Eau de Parfum

This floral perfume not only smells wonderful, but also has the perfect bottle for bridal photos. “One of my top picks for brides is Dior’s J’adore D’eau,” says Jennifer Capuano, the VP of Fragrances at Macy's. She adds, “The newest launch from the J’adore franchise offers an innovative alcohol-free fragrance of flowers and water as intense and long-lasting as [the OG] eau de parfum. The creamy white bottle exterior is perfect for the bride’s wedding photos of all the accessories on the special day.”

Macy's rating: 4.6/5 stars

Glossier You

On your wedding day, the last thing you want is to feel like you smell like someone else. This perfume was designed to bring out your natural scent, and the subtle notes help achieve that “you but better” smell. Plus, if you want to re-apply throughout the day, you can also buy this perfume in a rollerball version to throw in your purse for the reception.

A Glossier reviewer says: “I get so many compliments. It’s a subtle fragrance. One of my favorites!”

Glossier rating: 4.3/5 stars

English Pear & Freesia Cologne

Both Capuano and Autumne West, Nordstrom’s Beauty Director, swear by a combination of Jo Malone's English Pear & Freesia, and Jo Malone’s Peony & Blush Suede Cologne. “The Jo Malone Collection is famous for its scent pairing and layering. The added bit of fun is layering it with a second fragrance to create your own unique combination that helps you express your own personal style.” West adds, “Peony & Blush Suede Cologne has a base note of suede that makes this so soft and pretty, while the peony and red apple brighten it. It is great alone or you can layer in English Pear & Freesia to add a little more sweetness.”

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

Slow Dance Eau de Parfum

It’s right there in the name–this perfume is bottled romance. Picture an outdoor wedding, slow dancing underneath twinkling lights. With plenty of sweet floral notes juxtaposed with deep patchouli, it's feminine and complex.

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I absolutely adore this scent. It is so indulgent and romantic–slightly sweet and spicy. The scent stays on my skin all day and although I never thought I would spend this much on fragrance, I know I’ll be buying it again when the bottle runs out. Definitely a special occasion or date night perfume rather than an everyday scent, but that just means the bottle lasts longer.”

Orpheon Eau de Parfum

“A bride should choose something she feels special in for her big day,” says Eduardo Valadez, Diptyque’s Director of Marketing. While the line has several fantastic choices for brides, Orpheon is the cool-girl choice for anyone looking for something untraditional. “Any Diptyque fragrance would be fantastic for a bride’s wedding day, but some of my personal favorites are Orpheon, Eau Rose, and Do Son. They are rich, elegant and perfect for a bride who is worried about her fragrance fading throughout the day,” Valadez adds.

Bloomingdales rating: 4.6/5 stars

Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum

So many bridal perfumes lean sweet, but this scent is sensual and sexy. The floral top note combines with cedarwood and saffron to create a bright, complicated perfume touted for making the wearer smell expensive.

Saks Fifth Avenue rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Saks Fifth Avenue reviewer says: “This fragrance is truly a gem, with its complex and multi-faceted aroma. It perfectly blends the warm and sweet notes of saffron and ambergris, along with fresh and floral hints of jasmine and lily-of-the-valley. The result is a sophisticated and alluring fragrance that is suitable for special occasions or a night out.”

Delina Eau de Parfum

A coquettish bride needs this stunning perfume in her wedding routine. Not only is the bottle an accessory by itself, but the formula inside is even more beautiful. “Delina Eau de Parfum is extremely feminine, delicate, a little powdery with a mix of spice, vanilla, and florals,” says West. While it is on the pricey side, this fragrance will be something you want to wear long after your wedding day.

Nordstrom rating: 4.4/5 stars

Santal 33 Eau de Parfum

If you want to wear a perfume that everyone will love, perhaps no fragrance is as universally adored at Le Labo's Santal 33. It’s the perfect blend of woodsy and floral–ideal for outdoor weddings when you want your fragrance to match the surroundings.

Nordstrom rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I buy a lot of fragrances and this is the best by far. I have received so many compliments since purchasing... and it’s only been 3 days! I’ve had complete strangers stop me in the mall, the grocery store, and even the movie theatre to ask me what I was wearing. The fragrance is a little woodsy, a little floral, and very long-lasting. I can still smell it on me the next day. I’m very pleased with my purchase and I think you would be, too.”

Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil

If intense perfumes are off-putting for you, opt for this subtly-scented, glowing body oil that helps you smell beautiful on your special day, and adds a shine to any exposed skin. The golden shimmer is perfect for beachside weddings and honeymoon lounging.

Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Love it! The scent is not too strong, you just catch a note of it and want to go in closer to smell it. It makes you chase it unlike many overpowering oils that make you run away from it. The shimmers are fine and sparse and provide a glimmer effect. There is no greasy feeling, if you get a greasy feeling you have put too much, very sophisticated, raises my mood every time.”

Virgin Island Water Fragrance

Who needs a destination wedding when this perfume can transport you with a single whiff? “Virgin Island Water Fragrance is great for someone who wants a scent that leans on the fresh citrus side. It’s less floral but still soft and sweet, sure to make you feel and smell bright for your big day!” says West. This vibrant fragrance will help any bride feel rejuvenated and fresh after stressful weeks of planning.

Nordstrom rating: 4.2/5 stars

Libre Eau De Parfum

I once saw a fellow beauty editor get stopped twice in a row by people asking what perfume she was wearing. YSL's Libre was the answer. This bold, sensual fragrance is the opposite of subtle, but manages to not be too overwhelming.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “A must have. It lasts all day on my skin and is worth it. Nice for an everyday or date night scent that is great on its own and doesn’t need layering or to be mixed with another product. Very sophisticated and well rounded.”

Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum

When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with Chanel. “Don’t let the patchouli in this scare you, the balance of Grasse Jasmine and May rose makes this so effortlessly beautiful. It’s not only a classic fragrance but it is distinctly strong, sensual and subtle all at the same time,” says West. If the vibes of your wedding are chic and timeless, this is the perfect perfume to match.

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

Meet the Experts

Jennifer Capuano is the VP of Fragrances at Macy’s.

Eduardo Valadez is Diptyque’s Director of Marketing.

Autumne West is Nordstrom’s National Beauty Director.

How should brides try to find their wedding day fragrance?

“If you are searching for a new fragrance for your special day, it might be smart to ask your significant other to join you in the search. Whatever you choose, you will want to ensure they love how it smells on you. Since a wedding day is about the happy couple being close and committing their love for one another, it’s best to make sure it’s something they will both love,” says Capuano.

Like every other part of your wedding, brides should test out the perfume extensively before wearing it down the aisle. Valadez adds, “My biggest recommendation would be to try things out for a few days. You might find that fragrances develop differently on your skin, so spending some time wearing them is a great way to find what’s right for you. When in doubt, start with something you already love and explore fragrances with similar notes from there.”

What are your favorite fragrance notes for brides?

While ultimately every bride will prefer different scent notes, there are some popular ones you may want to consider. “My favorite scents for brides are simple light florals, nothing too overwhelming or overpowering. The scent should be a finishing touch to your look and not necessarily the main attraction to the day,” says Capuano. For brides, West recommends subtle florals: “I think of perfumes that are a little floral, hint of sweet, soft and not overpowering, with just that subtle hint of wow and sexy.”

How can brides find a perfume that will last throughout the day?

The last thing you should worry about on your wedding day is finding time to re-up your fragrance when you should be dancing the night away. “When looking for a perfume that will last throughout the day you might want to consider an Eau De Parfum. EDP’s are the highest concentration version of a fragrance and tend to have the best staying power,” says Capuano. Certain notes also tend to last longer on the skin. “Typically perfumes with more prominent base notes like woods, spices, and musk will last the longest. I would recommend stashing a travel size of your fragrance somewhere so you can easily reapply as needed,” Valadez recommends.

West also has a helpful tip for smelling wonderful throughout a jam-packed day. “A tip I love to tell brides is to add depth and layer to your scent beyond perfume [using] shower gel, lotion, and even hair mist for a long-lasting wedding day scent,” says West.

What are some important factors to consider when buying a wedding day perfume?

Of course, choosing the perfect bridal perfume isn’t all about how it smells. “Setting plays a big role in selecting the perfect wedding day perfume. Thinking about the natural environment of your venue can help you find a fragrance pairing that complements the scent of the setting rather than competing with it,” says Valadez. He adds, “The most important thing is that you have an emotional connection with the scent you choose. Once the big day comes to a close, you’ll want a fragrance that connects you with the feelings of your special day.”

West also believes that an emotional connection to your wedding day fragrance should be the deciding factor. “When in doubt, revisit a personal favorite. Maybe it’s the scent you wore on your first date or a fragrance your grandmother or grandfather wore that you aspired to wear one day too. Fragrance should be authentic to you on your special day. Choose something you would wear on days and occasions that are not just your wedding day. Fragrance is an extension of you, not only through your personal style but a true self-expression. As an added bonus of nostalgia, you will be reminded of your special day with your loved one every time you put it on,” she says.

If you’re feeling generous, consider buying your wedding party mini fragrances. “With the trend of putting together gift boxes for your bridal party to support you on your big day, fragrance is an easy addition to include. For a cost-effective option, a rollerball or pen spray-size fragrance is a great option. Some mini fragrance sprays that I love are YSL Libre and Gucci Flora. Another great option is the new Miss Dior Millefiori scented candle as a great gift for your bridesmaids. This mini candle not only smells amazing but is wrapped in a perfect whimsical floral pattern to feature on your nightstand or makeup table,” says Capuano.

How should brides shop for perfumes?

“When on the lookout for a new fragrance, I recommend stopping in a boutique whenever possible, especially if you don’t know where to start,” says Valadez. A little bit of soul-searching wouldn't go amiss, either. “Start your exploration in your own surroundings. What type of scents do you generally gravitate towards? Begin the process by shopping around for a new or updated version of the styles and notes you know you like. If you choose to shop online, you can read about various notes in detail and see an array of options. However, I think it’s absolutely key to wear the scent and indulge your senses. I recommend going into a store to ask for a few samples so you can test it in person, wear it for a day, and see if you like how it warms up to your skin,” adds West.

Ultimately, it’s all up to you. “Choosing where to shop is personal; some prefer the touch and feel of a store and others the convenience of shopping online,” says Capuano. She adds, “When joining us in-store, [Macy’s] expert associates can guide you through our choices and help you find your perfect signature scent to add to your fragrance wardrobe. When shopping online our website offers a detailed Fragrance Finder that can guide you to your scent of choices via a few quick and easy questions.”

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, Tatjana Freund tested a few top-rated bridal perfumes and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.

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