Marian Bendeth is definitely a “nose” that knows. The owner of Toronto’s Sixth Scents, Bendeth is renowned as a global fragrance expert, a woman in demand for her aroma know-how and who currently works with close to 1,000 prestige and niche fragrance brands. Bendeth’s specialty is “fragrance wardrobing,” a process by which she determines the perfect scent for you based on your body chemistry, psychology, lifestyle, fashion sense and environment. She’s a fascinating woman who told me she counts brides-to-be as a significant part of her client base. Here’s what she shared with me about how she goes about choosing the right wedding-day scent for you.
Weddingbells: You believe fragrance plays an integral role in people’s lives. Please explain.
Marian Bendeth: “I believe fragrance is your walking biography. Think of it as your background music, something that clearly communicates your personality to the world. Fragrance actually speaks for you, and specifically relates to others how you are feeling at that moment. When it comes to choosing one for a special occasion like your wedding day, I believe it equates to three key components: fashion, memory and emotions.”
WB: When working with a bride, what are the first steps to finding a fragrance for her day?
MB: “The style and fabric of gown are essential to choosing a fragrance. The time of year you are getting married and type of wedding is also very important. A person’s natural scent is also a determining factor because it is going to dictate what smells good on the skin.”
WB: Tell me about the concept of “fragrance wardrobing.”
MB: “I don’t believe anyone should have a signature scent. That concept is completely passé. I believe fragrance should capture your emotions at a particular time, and we all know that our moods typically shift from one day to the next. To reflect these natural fluctuations, it’s essential to have a variety of scents, which you can wear accordingly. I recommend a minimum wardrobe of two day fragrances and one night fragrance for spring and summer, and the same number for fall and winter. When it comes to special life moments, like a wedding or honeymoon, I suggest building up your base wardrobe with ones you’ve chosen specifically for those occasions.”
WB: Do you recommend wearing the same scent for your wedding day as your honeymoon?
MB: “Absolutely not! The two events are so dramatically different. For your honeymoon, you are probably going to want something much sexier than your wedding day, and again it’s all about location when it comes to choosing that one. The geographic location for your honeymoon will have a lot to do with the scent you choose.”
WB: Any tips for making your scent long-lasting on your wedding day?
MB: “It’s all about layering. If there is a shower gel and body cream available in your scent, start building with those two items. While your skin is still warm, apply the actual juice to the inside of your wrists, elbows and the nape of your neck. Another secret place to apply it is the temples—spray a tiny bit on your finger and dab a little on each side of your face. Because fragrance can stain, wait at least 15 minutes before stepping into your dress to avoid any damage to the fabric.”
WB: Do you have any current favourite wedding-day scents?
MB: “Again, choosing the right one is so complex and personal—it’s really all about the individual. Two classic scents that are particularly lovely and may be a fit for many brides are Chanel No. 5 Eau Première and Vera Wang Bouquet.
WB: Any final thoughts on what makes a winning wedding-day fragrance?
MB: “It is one of the most important days of your life, so you should totally feel like a star. Picture yourself at the Oscars on the red carpet—this is your moment! When you put on your dress, your shoes, your jewellery and your fragrance, it should all work together to perfectly encapsulate this moment in your life.”
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