Absolutely Weddings’ experts answer your planning questions. Here, Jane Helliwell of Champagne & Flamingos discusses how to add a signature scent to your wedding
Q: We’d like to add an extra element to our wedding through scent. How does this work and are there any ‘dos and don’ts’?
Scent is widely used as a mood setter in hotels and retail environments, and it can do exactly the same at weddings. Scent creates ambiance, makes you feel good and creates memories. I work on an individual scale, hand-pouring every candle, but I also use other elements – atomisers, scented ceramics and traditional and electric diffusers.
I will typically plan two or three consultations – including one at the venue – where we consider the locale, the season, the wedding colours and the couple’s personalities. In this way, we ‘whittle down’ to a signature scent. We can incorporate scent into all elements of the event, from invitations to specially created and personalised candles for guests to take home as party favours.
“Scent should be subtle and complex, and can be tailored to work differently across spaces”
The more time I have to work with couples, the better. As everything is made personally and tailored to the event, it is a process. Getting the balance right is important, and while working with the seasons isn’t set in stone, a citrus or light floral may lend itself to a spring or summer wedding, whereas deeper scents such as tuberose can come into their own in autumn and winter. Scent should be subtle and complex, and can be tailored to work differently across spaces. I advise couples not to scent the dining area to the same extent. Here, scent works best used very sparingly – a spritz on tablelinen rather than a scented candle or diffuser.
Champagne & Flamingos
Founded by Jane Helliwell, Champagne & Flamingos creates and styles scented settings. For more about her services, visit champagneandflamingos.co.uk
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