When it comes to beauty prep on your big day, your wedding perfume is an intensely personal aspect. Some couples opt for timeless, iconic scents with romantic notes, while others prefer unique fragrances that set them apart. A few might even experiment with layering different scents to craft a bespoke fragrance or stick to their trusted signature perfume.
While it’s common today to have a fragrance wardrobe, switching up scents depending on the season or occasion, in the past, it was more typical for brides to choose one scent and stick with it for years. Even celebrity brides follow suit, carefully curating their wedding perfumes to align with either a designer or perfume house that defines their style. Here are 15 famous brides who made sure their wedding day smelled as special as they did.
Ingrid Bergman & Petter Lindström (1937)
Ingrid Bergman’s love for her signature fragrance, Nina Ricci’s L’Air du Temps, was as enduring as her marriage to neurosurgeon Petter Lindström. The scent, created in 1948 and housed in a stunning Lalique glass bottle, has remained a timeless classic despite being referenced in the iconic film, The Silence of the Lambs. According to Bergman’s daughter, Isabella Rossellini, her mother had chosen this divine spicy floral fragrance in her younger years and stuck with it faithfully for many years.
The scent’s top notes feature spicy pink carnation and gardenia, while its heart notes are comprised of rose and jasmine. The base notes include sandalwood and iris, making L’Air du Temps a truly unforgettable fragrance.
Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip (1947)
Floris London’s rich history dates back to 1730, boasting not one but two prestigious Royal Warrants from the esteemed Royal Family. While Buckingham Palace remains tight-lipped about the Queen’s personal fragrances, whispers suggest that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II wore Floris’ iconic White Rose perfume on her wedding day to Prince Philip in the 1950s. This timeless scent has a fascinating backstory, having also been favored by legendary nurse Florence Nightingale.
To commemorate the monarch’s Jubilee in 2022, Floris created a new, exclusive fragrance – Platinum 22 – an amber rose essence still available today. With such storied heritage, it’s no wonder that perfume connoisseurs around the world are drawn to Floris’ masterful blends.
The Scent Details: Floris White Rose
Top Notes: Green Notes, Aldehydes
Heart Notes: Rose, Spicy Carnation, Violet, Jasmine
Base Notes: Iris, Amber, Musk
Marilyn Monroe & Joe DiMaggio (1954)
Marilyn Monroe’s wedding to Joe DiMaggio in 1954 was an intimate affair by comparison to her glamorous film roles. The couple exchanged vows in a San Francisco courtroom, with the world watching as they emerged from the judge’s chambers. Following their whirlwind Tokyo honeymoon, Marilyn returned to Hollywood to star in the classic film Some Like It Hot under the pseudonym Sugar Kane.
During this time, she had a stash of Rose Geranium by Floris delivered to her in bulk – a fragrance that has since evolved into a bath essence featuring the same notes: rose, geranium, sandalwood, and citronella. In her personal life, Marilyn was known for her devotion to Chanel N°5, famously wearing it to bed alone.
This iconic perfume is one of the most enduring wedding scents, boasting a complex blend of aldehydes, ylang-ylang, neroli, bergamot, peach, iris, jasmine, rose, lily-of-the-valley, sandalwood, vanilla, oakmoss, patchouli, and vetiver.
Grace Kelly & Prince Rainier of Monaco (1956)
In 1956, Hollywood royalty Grace Kelly became the real-life Princess of Monaco when she married Prince Rainer III in a highly publicized ceremony watched by an estimated 30 million viewers worldwide. For her big day, Kelly donned a stunning silk and lace gown gifted to her by MGM Studios, which took months to create. In a nod to her unconventional royal style, the actress opted for a silk and pearl Juliet Cap instead of a traditional crown.
The pièce de résistance was her signature scent, Creed’s Fleurissimo EDP, a bespoke fragrance inspired by her wedding bouquet that still captivates today. This enchanting perfume masterfully blends Hollywood glamour with royal refinement, transporting wearers to a whimsical fairytale world.
With top notes of sparkling bergamot, violet leaves, and mandarin orange, the scent transitions into heart notes of tuberose, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, Florentine iris, and ylang-ylang before settling into base notes of orris, sandalwood, and cedar.
Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton (1964)
Elizabeth Taylor’s love life was as legendary as her iconic beauty. Her eight marriages, including two to Richard Burton, were well-documented. What’s less known is the special significance of a particular fragrance in her life – Bal à Versailles by Jean Desprez. This heady scent, with its 26 notes, including civet and amber, was reportedly Taylor’s go-to perfume during filming of Cleopatra.
The pair’s on-set romance led to their first wedding in 1964, and it’s believed Taylor wore Bal à Versailles on her big day. Years later, she gifted a bottle to her friend Michael Jackson, who wore it until his passing. This untraditional scent, featuring top notes like rose, orange blossom, and jasmine, and base notes including civet, amber, and vanilla, was a reflection of Elizabeth Taylor’s bold and alluring personality.
Jackie Kennedy & Aristotle Onassis (1968)
In a shocking move that stunned the world, Jackie Kennedy, still reeling from the loss of her first husband John F. Kennedy just five years prior, announced her engagement to Aristotle ‘Ari’ Onassis at the age of 39.
The Greek tycoon was reportedly 62 years old at the time (though some accounts dispute this), but it was his lavish gift-giving that truly caught attention – a 40-carat Marquise-cut Lesotho III diamond from Harry Winston, setting the tone for their eventual nuptials on Onassis’s private island, Skorpios, in Greece.
This marriage would forever cement Jackie Kennedy’s status as ‘Jackie O,’ and her choice of wedding perfume, Krigler Lovely Patchouli 55, a traditionally masculine scent, only added to the mystique. Launched in 1955, this earthy, spicy blend is still available today, with a 100ml bottle commanding upwards of €600. In contrast, Onassis’s engagement ring, a stunning diamond, sold for just shy of €3 million after Jackie’s passing.
Audrey Hepburn & Dr Andrea Dotti (1969)
Audrey Hepburn’s second marriage to Italian psychiatrist Dr. Andrea Dotti was a peculiar affair. The actress chose Lake Geneva as the backdrop for her nuptials, a nod to her first wedding to Mel Ferrer, which took place in the same location. However, this time around, Hepburn eschewed traditional wedding attire for a stylish pink mini dress and matching headscarf, a look that perfectly captured her free-spirited personality.
Long-time friend and designer Hubert de Givenchy was responsible for dressing Hepburn on her big day, as well as creating a bespoke fragrance in her honor. Givenchy’s L’Interdit, with its whimsical name derived from a playful joke between the two, was originally intended to remain off-limits – hence the name ‘Forbidden.’ However, Givenchy eventually released the scent, which has since become a timeless classic.
To this day, perfume enthusiasts can still indulge in the iconic fragrance’s top notes of aldehydes, strawberry, spices, peach, and bergamot; heart notes of iris, violet, narcissus, orris root, rose, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and lily-of-the-valley; and base notes of sandalwood, amber, musk, benzoin, vetiver, and tonka bean.
Princess Diana & Prince Charles (1981)
Princess Diana’s wedding day was nearly marred by a scent-related mishap. According to her makeup artist, she accidentally spilled some of her Quelques Fleurs L’Originale perfume by Houbigant down the front of her dress. To salvage the situation, Diana skillfully tucked the folds of her dress to conceal the stain, all while maintaining a composed demeanor in front of the global audience. This incident highlights the complexity and timeless appeal of this iconic scent.
Launched in 1912, Quelques Fleurs L’Originale was worn by Diana 69 years later at her wedding, before being re-released in 1988 to captivate a new generation of brides.
The fragrance boasts an intricate blend of notes, including green notes, orange blossom, tarragon, bergamot, citruses, and lemon in the top notes; lilac, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, carnation, rose, tuberose, ylang-ylang, violet, heliotrope, iris, orris root, orchid in the heart notes; and oakmoss, honey, civet, musk, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, and tonka bean in the base notes.
Charlene Wittstock & Prince Albert II of Monaco (2011)
As the world basked in the romance of royal weddings in 2011, Charlene Wittstock’s union with Prince Albert II of Monaco became a global spectacle. The nuptials were marred by whispers of controversy, as the bride’s tears flowed freely down the aisle. Amidst the pomp and circumstance, Charlene’s stunning Armani Privé silk gown stole the show, its 40,000 Swarovski crystals painstakingly crafted over 2,500 hours by three seamstresses.
The bride’s subtle yet elegant beauty was further enhanced by Krigler’s Extraordinaire Camellia 209 perfume, a masterful blend of notes that celebrated the union and the perfumer’s 105th anniversary. This exclusive fragrance, priced at approximately €670 for a 100ml bottle, tells the story of a perfect marriage through its harmonious balance of bergamot, camellia blossom, cardamom, pink pepper, bourbon vanilla, musk, cedar, and Chinese tea.
Kate Middleton & Prince William (2011)
Kate Middleton’s wedding to Prince William in 2011 was a global phenomenon, with an estimated 162 million people tuning in to watch the ceremony. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a bespoke Alexander McQueen gown, courtesy of her parents Carole and Michael, who footed the €400,000 bill. As guests entered Westminster Abbey, they were greeted by the unmistakable scent of Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne, which held special significance for Kate from an in-laws’ perspective.
This tradition dates back to Queen Victoria’s wedding to Prince Albert in 1840, where she wore a wreath of orange blossoms instead of a tiara. Similarly, Queen Elizabeth II had an orange blossom embroidered into the hem of her dress when she married Prince Philip in 1947. Kate continued this tradition by wearing White Gardenia Petals by niche perfume brand Illuminum London on her skin. A 100ml bottle of the scent retails for €116 and is available for purchase again as of 2023.
The fragrance features top notes of bergamot, cassis, and lily, with heart notes of gardenia, ylang-ylang, and jasmine. Base notes include precious woods and amber.
Kate Moss & Jamie Hince (2011)
As the whispers of Kate Moss’s wedding to her rocker beau sent shockwaves through the fashion world, anticipation reached a fever pitch. The supermodel’s nuptials were shrouded in mystery, with only one thing certain – it would be an unforgettable celebration. The sleepy village church near her Cotswolds estate played host to the ceremony, where Kate’s closest friends and family gathered to witness the union.
But the real magic happened after the ‘I dos’, as a bespoke tented village was erected on the grounds, complete with a children’s play area, a flowing Cristal Champagne fountain, and a party that showed no signs of slowing until dawn. Amidst the revelry, Kate beamed in a custom gown designed by her dear friend John Galliano – a mystical, romantic masterpiece that perfectly captured her essence.
Her choice of wedding day perfume, Serge Lutens Fleurs D’Oranger Eau de Parfum, added an air of sophistication and romance to the proceedings. This exquisite scent is inspired by the exotic landscapes of Morocco, where the refined notes of orange blossom, the mythical allure of jasmine, and the radiant warmth of white rose converge in a truly enchanting experience.
Poppy Delevingne & James Cook (2014)
In 2014, Poppy Delevingne exchanged vows with her former model turned businessman husband James Cook in the picturesque St Paul’s Church in London’s Knightsbridge. The stylish duo was joined by a host of A-list guests, including Geri Halliwell, Trinny Woodall, Mary Charteris, and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. As the bride, Poppy opted for an elegant ensemble alongside her sister Cara, both clad in Chanel.
To complete her look, Charlotte Tilbury lent her expertise to create a flawless makeup design for Poppy. The newlyweds’ special day was further enhanced by the subtle yet alluring scent of Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom Cologne, which has since become a sentimental reminder of their nuptials. Fast-forward a few years, and Poppy went on to collaborate with the perfume brand, revealing that the fragrance still fills her with joy and nostalgia whenever she thinks back to her wedding day.
With its uplifting combination of clementine flower, white lilac, and orriswood, this radiant scent is an ideal choice for any bride seeking a bright and airy fragrance to match their big-day vibes.
Amal Alamuddin & George Clooney (2014)
George Clooney and Amal’s 2014 wedding in Venice was shrouded in secrecy – except for the moments they were photographed around town. In a humorous TV appearance, George joked about proposing to then-36-year-old Amal on one knee, saying it took her 25 minutes to respond. Meanwhile, he thought he might strain his hip waiting for an answer. The couple met just a year prior and Amal’s big-day attire was a custom Oscar de la Renta gown reportedly worth €346,000.
In tribute to the designer, she wore his eponymous fragrance, Something Blue Eau de Parfum. Although discontinued, the scent’s citrusy notes of lime blossom, neroli, bergamot, and mandarin evoke an Italian escape. The heart notes – stephanotis, narcissus, and lychee – mingle with base notes featuring white musk, cashmere wood, musk mallow, amber, and bourbon vanilla to create a unique bouquet.
Meghan Markle & Prince Harry (2018)
When Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle took the world by storm, it was no surprise that it topped TV ratings. The big day brought together an estimated 1.9 billion viewers worldwide, as they exchanged vows at Westminster Abbey. Despite the historic setting, Meghan reportedly wasn’t a fan of the musty scent that permeated the ancient chapel.
With permission from Buckingham Palace, she discreetly placed Diptyque Baies diffusers throughout the venue to give it a fresher aroma, reminiscent of roses with subtle berry undertones. For her personal fragrance, Meghan opted for Floris Bergamotto Di Positano Eau de Parfum, a sunny scent that perfectly captured the warmth and joy of the special day.
This centuries-old perfume house has been perfecting its craft since 1730, and it’s easy to see why their signature scent was the ideal choice for Meghan’s big day.
The fragrance itself boasts a blend of bergamot, marine notes, mandarin in its top notes, with vanilla, green tea, orange blossom taking center stage in the heart.
The base notes are where things get really interesting – think vanilla, amber, spices, forest notes, and musk mallow all coming together to create a truly unique scent experience. For more wedding inspiration and expert advice on One Fab Day, check out our latest features and follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks at the world of wedding planning.
