We all know that scent is one of the most powerful of our senses, and yet it is often overlooked as a part of a wedding design. Don't miss out on a chance to add another layer of ambiance and beauty to your special day! These are tips on choosing fragrances for your wedding ceremony and reception, as well as to wear yourself for your wedding.

Think about how much we associate certain fragrances with certain times or places. When you think of mulled spices and pumpkins, no doubt it is autumn that springs to mind. Pine boughs and cinnamon say fall, while the scent of lilacs are a clear reminder of fall. Places have aromas associated with them as well. There is the smell of fresh baked bread at your grandmother's house or a sophisticated perfume at a designer department store. These are the types of memories and associations that you can try to evoke with the fragrances that you select for your wedding.

The right scent can be used to transport your guests to a magical place. For example, let's say that you were planning a tropical theme wedding in a non-tropical location like your backyard. You may think that you have all of the details covered, from the steel band to the beach wedding jewelry to the showy tropical flowers, and yet something will still be missing: the iconic fragrances of the tropics. No matter how perfect your beach theme gown and jewelry, your wedding will still be lacking the scent associations that will truly help your guests to feel like they are at the beach. Make your theme really come to life by including aromas such as coconut and heady tropical flowers in the form of scented candles. The smell of the sea air may be a bit harder to replicate, but when your guests enter your reception, which not only looks but smells like an island paradise, your theme will have reached its ultimate expression.

Flowers can have anything ranging from a light and delicate scent to an overpowering aroma to no fragrance at all. The first of the three is by far the best. Choosing flowers which are completely without a scent (which is the case of many blossoms which have been hybridized), misses an opportunity. On the other hand, a very strong smell, such as that of Casablanca lilies, evokes very strong emotions: some of your guests will love it, but an equal number will find the scent to be cloying and overwhelming. Be especially careful with your reception flowers, because strong fragrances and food are not a good mix.

A lightly scented flower, however, can be a wonderful addition to a wedding. The soft scent of lilacs wafting on the breeze is one of the loveliest of spring. The light aroma of honeysuckle is pleasant and subtle. Fresh herbs like rosemary and lavender are classic and have a bit of French flair. Certain greens, such as geranium leaves, can even have a peppery aroma, which can be very sophisticated. Remember that scented candles or diffusers can be used if the actual flower is not available.

And finally, take the time to select a special scent to wear. Perfume should always be applied with a light hand; just enough so that your groom will get a hint of it whenever he leans in for a kiss. The fragrance that you select can be your all-time favorite, or a brand-new one that suits the style of your wedding. Whichever you choose, you can be sure that each time you smell your wedding perfume, it will bring back happy memories.