Perfume for your wedding day

Most women have one or two scents they like to call their own. Whether this is something you change from birthday to birthday, or whether you still wear the same perfume Dad bought you on your fifteenth birthday, it's a signature scent.

Or maybe perfume is just something you wear on special occasions or nights out. But what could be a more special than your wedding day? So, the next question is: what perfume will you wear the day you get married? It may seem a trivial detail (or perhaps not) but scent is actually very significant. Ever caught a whiff of something on the wind and had it trigger an old memory? A scent can recall a particular restaurant, a road trip, the smell of another country or even a day at the zoo, probably quite a strong scent this. It can recall for you exactly how you felt on that day. This is because scent is the sense most closely related to memory.

So, on your wedding day you could wear your signature scent. That it is your favourite is reason enough to wear it and wearing another perfume might also make you feel strange. However, if this isn't the case, perhaps you might want to wear your Mum's perfume or that of someone else close to you. Family members often like the same scent and it would feel like you were carrying their affection with you for the entire day.

Alternatively, you might want to be naked of any scent but your own. Your bouquet could be all the scent you need. Originally, in medieval times, bouquets were carried to mask the strong odour of brides – few bathed throughout the cold northern winter and spring was a common time to marry. Nowadays, thankfully, no one needs perfume for this reason, but not everything is about needs. However, don't forget your deodorant! You'll probably get a bit sweaty with nerves at some point during the day.

You could be brave and choose a totally new scent for your wedding. Then its smell will remind you of your wedding day for the rest of your life, even if only subliminally. In a magical way, the perfume will help recreate the wonderful feelings you had on the day.

Some scent-sational ideas

For a pretty, cool, summery scent test out Estee Lauder's Beyond Paradise at your local chemist or department store. We also liked Marc Jacob's Daisy, which comes in just about the prettiest bottle you'll ever see (the cap is shaped like several daisies) and has a free, fresh smell. Chanel No.5 is a timeless and graceful choice, while Cacharel's newish Amor Amor is a light but passionate scent.

Want something a bit edgier? Try Gucci's spicy scent Rush or Rush 2 - both are very stylish. Romance by Ralph Lauren is another wonderful scent. The PR blurb describes it as 'sensual' with 'essence of velvety woods, extravagant florals and seductive musk'. Warmer and definitely more romantic than some other scents around, it would probably be my choice.

What perfume will you wear on your wedding day? Do tell us – and why you chose it. We'd love to hear what you think smells scent-sational.

By Briony