Scented Wedding Invites: How To Make Them Smell Divine

Scentscaping is a growing trend in the wedding industry, with many couples looking to create a memorable olfactory experience for their guests. One way to do this is by scenting your wedding invitations. But how do you make your wedding invitations smell good?

Store invites with scented candles in an airtight box

Storing your wedding invitations with scented candles in an airtight box is a creative way to add a unique touch to your special day. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind:

Choose the Right Scent

The first step is to select a fragrance that you love and that represents your personality and the theme of your wedding. Consider something warm and inviting, like vanilla or lavender, which are subtle and universally liked. You could also opt for floral scents like rose or gardenia, but be mindful that some guests may have allergies or sensitivities to certain fragrances. It's a good idea to avoid strong, overpowering scents that could trigger negative reactions.

Test the Scent

Before storing your invitations with the candles, it's important to test the fragrance to ensure it doesn't interact negatively with the ink or paper. Try mailing a sample invitation to yourself to see how the scent lasts and if it affects the quality of the invitation in any way. You don't want the fragrance to cause the ink to run or leave stains on the paper.

Avoid Direct Contact

When placing the invitations in the airtight box, avoid direct contact between the invitations and the candles. The wax from the candles can leach into the paper and cause oil stains. Place the candles in a way that allows the fragrance to fill the box without touching the invitations. You can also consider using candle holders or placing the candles on a tray to catch any wax drips.

Timing is Key

Start the scenting process early enough so that the invitations can absorb the fragrance. The longer they are stored with the scented candles, the stronger the scent will be. However, don't leave them for too long, as you don't want the invitations to become too saturated with the fragrance, which could be overwhelming for your guests.

Presentation is Important

While the scent is important, don't forget about the visual appeal of your invitations. Choose an elegant airtight box that complements the design of your invitations. You can also add decorative elements, such as ribbon or a wax seal, to enhance the overall presentation. Remember, you want your invitations to look and smell delightful!

Avoid scents that trigger allergies

Adding a scent to your wedding invitations is a lovely idea to create an immersive experience for your guests. However, it is important to be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities your guests may have. Here are some tips to avoid scents that can trigger allergies:

• Avoid strong fragrances: Strong scents can trigger allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a stuffy or runny nose, and even headaches and rashes. Opt for subtle and universal scents like vanilla or lavender, which are less likely to cause irritation.
• Be cautious with floral scents: Floral fragrances, such as rose or gardenia, can be common triggers for seasonal or environmental allergies. If you're considering a floral scent, opt for a milder option or choose a different scent family altogether.
• Consider unscented or fragrance-free products: When in doubt, it is best to avoid adding any fragrance to your invitations. This ensures that guests with allergies or sensitivities will not have an adverse reaction.
• Test on a small scale: Before committing to a particular scent, test it on a single invitation and gauge the intensity. This will help you determine if the fragrance is too strong and allow you to adjust the amount used.
• Ask your guests about sensitivities: If possible, consider including a note with your save-the-dates or sending a quick message to ask about any scent sensitivities your guests may have. This way, you can make informed decisions about the type of fragrance to use or avoid scented invitations altogether for those with sensitivities.
• Choose natural alternatives: Opt for natural cleaners or essential oils instead of heavily fragranced products. Natural options are less likely to contain irritating chemicals and can provide a milder scent that is less likely to trigger allergies.

Remember, the key is to create a pleasant and comfortable experience for your guests. By being mindful of potential allergy triggers, you can ensure that your scented invitations bring joy to your guests rather than causing any discomfort.

Add fragrance to stationery

Adding fragrance to your wedding stationery is a pleasant-smelling tradition that dates back to the Victorian era. Here are some tips and ideas to add fragrance to your wedding stationery:

Choose a Fragrance:

• Select a fragrance that holds a special memory or significance for you and your partner. Perhaps it reminds you of a favourite holiday destination or a shared hobby.
• Opt for a subtle, universal scent like vanilla or lavender, which is less likely to trigger allergies.
• Consider creating a custom fragrance that reflects your tastes and the theme of your wedding.

Methods of Application:

• Use scented stationery paper, envelopes, or sealing waxes.
• Spray your chosen fragrance onto the stationery from a distance to avoid staining.
• Add a few drops of your fragrance to each invitation, being mindful not to apply large amounts directly to the paper.
• Include dried flower petals, such as lavender, inside the invitation envelopes.
• Attach a small fragrance oil decant or a scented tea bag, like chamomile, to the invitation.

Testing and Allergies:

• Test the fragrance on a sample invitation to ensure it doesn't interact with the ink or cause staining.
• Mail a test invitation to yourself to check how the fragrance lasts during transit.
• Consider your guests' allergies and sensitivities. Avoid strong fragrances or apply subtly so that the scent is noticeable but gentle.

Remember, the sense of smell is linked to memory, so adding fragrance to your wedding invitations will create a unique and immersive experience for your guests, enhancing their memories of your special day.

Choose a universal scent like vanilla or lavender

Adding fragrance to your wedding invitations is a great way to personalise your wedding and create a memorable olfactory experience for your guests.

If you're looking to add a scent to your wedding invitations, it's important to choose a fragrance that will be well-liked by most people. While some people may suggest floral scents like gardenia, rose, or lavender, these can be common allergens and may not be suitable for everyone.

A great alternative is to opt for a universal scent like vanilla or lavender. These scents are subtle, less likely to trigger allergies, and can be easily absorbed by the paper without staining. To achieve this, you can add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to some cotton balls and place them in an airtight box with your invitation cards for a few weeks. This will allow the scent to gently infuse the paper without being too overwhelming.

Vanilla, in particular, is a popular choice as it is often associated with warmth and comfort. It can also add an elegant, old paper feel to your invitations, reminiscent of the Victorian era. If you're concerned about allergies, vanilla is a good option as it is not a common fragrance trigger.

Another benefit of choosing a universal scent like vanilla or lavender is that you can incorporate it into other aspects of your wedding. For example, you can use scented candles or diffusers with the same fragrance to create a cohesive olfactory experience throughout the wedding venue. This can be especially effective in smaller spaces like the ceremony area or bathrooms, or even as a subtle hint at the venue entrance.

By choosing a universal scent and being mindful of your guests' sensitivities, you can ensure that your scented invitations create a pleasant and immersive experience for everyone.

Test the scent on one invitation

Testing the scent on one invitation before applying it to the rest is a crucial step in the process of making your wedding invitations smell good. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this task:

Select an appropriate scent: Choose a fragrance that reflects your taste and the theme of your wedding. Consider something subtle and universal, like vanilla or lavender, to avoid triggering allergies or sensitivities in your guests. You can also opt for fragrances with sea salt, eucalyptus, and marine scents for a beach wedding or pine fragrance for a holiday wedding.

Prepare the invitation: Take one of your wedding invitations and place it on a flat surface. If you're using scented candles or oils, make sure the invitation is in a well-ventilated area to avoid any potential damage from smoke or strong smells.

Apply the scent: Depending on the type of fragrance you've chosen, you can add a few drops or spray a light mist onto the invitation. Be cautious not to apply too much, as you don't want to stain the paper. If using a candle, wave the invitation gently through the smoke to absorb the scent without risking any wax stains.

Evaluate the result: After applying the scent, give it a few minutes to settle and then evaluate the strength of the fragrance. If it's too subtle, you may need to add a little more. If it's too strong, you can try diluting it or moving on to a new invitation and applying a smaller amount.

Consider your guests: Keep in mind that everyone's sense of smell is different, and some people may be more sensitive to fragrances than others. If any of your guests have known allergies or sensitivities, it's best to avoid strong scents or opt for unscented invitations for them.

By testing the scent on a single invitation, you can ensure that the fragrance is pleasant and subtle enough to create a positive olfactory experience for your guests when they receive your invitations. Remember to ask your wedding stationer for their expert advice as well!

Frequently asked questions