Take the time to smell the flowers for your wedding -literally. Flower scents are a wonderful element in evoking a strong memory of your day, however, this element is mostly ignored in planning. Flower scents range from perfumed to fresh and sweet. I have compiled a list of some of the most memorable scents from flowers, arranged by the strength of scent:

STRONG

• lily-of-the-valley : perfumed, sweet and spicy

• oriental lilies : very sweet

• gardenias : perfumed

• cattelya orchids : spicy, sweet, perfumed

• hyacinth : fruity, very sweet

• narcissus : heady (sometimes offensive)

• freesia : spicy

• lilacs : sweet, damask

• stock : sweet, heady

• tubberrose : sweet, perfumed

• sterling silver roses : damask, rosy

• stephanotis : sweet

• jasmine : spicy

MILD

• sweet peas : fruity

• honeysuckle : fruity, sweet

• lavender : herbal, calming

• korean viburnum : very sweet

• roses (darker colors are stronger) : rosy

• peonies (darker colors strongest) : heady, leafy

• dasies : pollen, spicy

• helitrope : vanilla (white)

• oregano : spicy, herbal

• bee balm : spicy

• mint : fresh, herbal

• muscari (grape hyacinth) : very fruity

• feverfew : grassy

SOFT

• bells of ireland : fresh, leafy

• mokkara or aranda orchids : fresh, cucumber

• daffodils : pollen

• tulips (leaves) : fresh, grassy

• snapdragons (leaves) : spicy, leafy

• hydrangea : leafy

Consult with your florist on which scents to use. Smell perfumes or body sprays with the flower name to get an idea. If your flowers are unscented, but you want a scented memory, consider lighting a few scented candles. Make sure the candles scent is from natural oils, not artificial sources, for the most pleasing results.

To bring the scent into the whole theme, scent your invitations and programs with the flower's essential oil, or spray a similar scented perfume into the envelope. Allow the envelope to dry before putting in the invite.

KAK