The scents that bring the vow factor to your wedding day
There are so many decisions to make when planning a wedding, including choosing a wedding perfume. But how to choose the right fragrance for your special day, and where to begin? First off, consider when and where you’re getting married: the season, the type of wedding and, of course, your own fragrance preferences. For example, a countryside ceremony suits a romantic sweet scent or floral perfume, while something woody works well for modern, urban settings. Also, consider how your choice will work with your partner’s – you could match with a unisex perfume. Read on for our selection of the best bridal perfumes for 2026.
“I always recommend selecting a unique fragrance for your big day. Scent anchors memories so, by choosing something new, you effectively ‘bottle’ your celebration to revisit for years to come.”
– Lily Starling, fragrance buyer
Best classic perfume: Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia Cologne
The freshness of golden, just-ripe pears wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber and patchouli. If you’re getting married outdoors – especially if in late summer or autumn – this free-spirited Jo Malone London classic is a great match.
Best romantic perfume: CREED Eladaria Eau de Parfum
Love floral perfumes? This modern take from CREED features roses, lily of the valley and peony, with sun-kissed mandarin and pink pepper. Inspired by a garden stirring into life, it’s the kind of scent that gives you a dream-like, romantic lift.
Best unisex perfume: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir Eau de Parfum
Sweet and sensual, Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s blend of warming vanilla, tonka bean and cistus labdanum is a sophisticated unisex scent that you’ll both fall in love with. The name means ‘big night’, which is pretty fitting for saying “I do” and promising forever.
Best summer wedding perfume: New Notes Cocktail Maracuja Extrait de Parfum
New to John Lewis, New Notes has created a really beautiful summer scent. Lively, fruity, and yet still sultry and full of depth, it’s the perfect fragrance to transport you to sunnier climes, filled with laughter and light.
Best winter wedding perfume: BDK Parfums Rouge Smoking
Colder weather means you can ramp up the intensity with deeply warming, compliment-drawing scents. Blending cherry, amber and tonka bean accord within a 30-per-cent concentration, BDK Parfums’ Rouge Smoking Extrait is strong without being overpowering.
Best destination wedding perfume: Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Sous Les Pins
With key notes of eucalyptus, bergamot and pine, Chloé’s woody, aromatic scent evokes sun-drenched, blissful days – perfect for a ceremony in warmer climes. It’s calming, natural warmth will also help soothe any wedding morning nerves.
Best honeymoon perfume: Gucci Bloom Ambrosia d’Oro Eau de Parfum
In its elegant bloom-laden bottle, this floral classic combines the signature white Gucci Bloom bouquet with jasmine and musk to make an exhilaratingly fresh, romantic scent to remember. A fragrance that lends a feeling of endless summer vibes to any honeymoon suite.
Best new perfume: Essential Parfums Bois Impérial Eau de Parfums
Spicy Thai basil leaves combine with sparkling Nepalese Timut pepper, contrasting perfectly with the bold woody, earthy signature of this Essential Parfums fragrance. It’s a scent that lives firmly in the category of ‘once experienced, never forgotten’.
Best long-lasting perfume: Maison Crivelli Hibiscus Mahajad Extrait de Parfum
An extrait de parfum (which offers maximum longevity), this multi-layered, complex Maison Crivelli fragrance is a blend of hibiscus petals, deep red rose and crushed pomegranate, warmed by vanilla and amber. It takes you far beyond the everyday into the extraordinary.
Best subtle perfume: Miu Miu L’Eau Bleue Eau de Parfum
Sweet and feminine, Miu Miu’s blend of lily of the valley, violet leaf and musk is as delicate as the first spring blooms. If subtle-yet-evocative is what you’re after, L’Eau Bleue is The One to lend an assured, uplifting backdrop to your big day.
How do I make my perfume last?
Switch to an extrait de parfum, or highest concentration, to help longevity – especially if it’s going to be hot weather. Mist scent onto your wrists, neck and pulse points and let dry (rather than rubbing or pressing skin) – your body heat will help to diffuse the fragrance as the day goes on. You can also spritz onto your clothing, as the fibres will grip on to scent.
Best wedding aftershave for the groom
From CREED to Montblanc, Tom Ford to Prada, find a sophisticated aftershave to complement his wedding-day style (and yours, too). Visit your local John Lewis to find his favourite.
