Copyright © 2007-2010 All rights reserved
Sedona Aromatherapie is an Oak Creek Enterprises Incorporated Company
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona Aromatherapie is an Oak Creek Enterprises Incorporated Company
Sedona, Arizona
Introduction
Weddings are thought to be one of the greatest occasions of a woman’s life. Hence, they can also become one of the most stressful events! From finding the perfect dress, to catering for 100’s of people, not to mention where to place Great Aunt Jennie to avoid any further family upsets… Weddings can fast turn from a dream affair to your worst nightmare if things start to spin out of control! Using aromatherapy may help in more ways than one…..
Weddings are thought to be one of the greatest occasions of a woman’s life. Hence, they can also become one of the most stressful events! From finding the perfect dress, to catering for 100’s of people, not to mention where to place Great Aunt Jennie to avoid any further family upsets… Weddings can fast turn from a dream affair to your worst nightmare if things start to spin out of control! Using aromatherapy may help in more ways than one…..
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Using aromatherapy
So how can aromatherapy be used in the whole wedding process? In the course of researching for my website, I discovered aromatherapy, or ‘scents’, are fast becoming one of the latest trends in the wedding industry. Every girl wants her wedding to be the one that’s talked about for ever after the event, so all sorts of new ideas and creations are being discovered to ensure your wedding is the one they will remember.
So how can aromatherapy be used in the whole wedding process? In the course of researching for my website, I discovered aromatherapy, or ‘scents’, are fast becoming one of the latest trends in the wedding industry. Every girl wants her wedding to be the one that’s talked about for ever after the event, so all sorts of new ideas and creations are being discovered to ensure your wedding is the one they will remember.
Historical use of ‘aromatherapy’ in weddings
‘Fragrance is the nourishment of the spirit’ Mohammed (Islamic Prophet)
Flowers have a long history of being known in the ‘language of love’. In Victorian England, different flowers had different meanings between lovers, a secret code between two people. However, dependant on which text you read, the same flowers can have different meanings!
Various herbs and flowers have long been used in traditional marriage ceremonies. Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) has been used as an ingredient in love potions, as has marjoram (origanum marjorana). And of course, the rose (rosa x damascena), the quintessential classic of flowers, has almost always been associated with the ‘language of love’. It is still one of the most popular choices for today’s bride.
Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) was once entwined in the bridal crown of Greek brides; Ivy (hedera helix) was given to Roman bridal couples during the ceremony; And Marjoram (origanum marjorana) was also used by both the Greeks and the Romans in the bridal crown. And all of these flowers and plants had different meanings too.
‘Fragrance is the nourishment of the spirit’ Mohammed (Islamic Prophet)
Flowers have a long history of being known in the ‘language of love’. In Victorian England, different flowers had different meanings between lovers, a secret code between two people. However, dependant on which text you read, the same flowers can have different meanings!
Various herbs and flowers have long been used in traditional marriage ceremonies. Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) has been used as an ingredient in love potions, as has marjoram (origanum marjorana). And of course, the rose (rosa x damascena), the quintessential classic of flowers, has almost always been associated with the ‘language of love’. It is still one of the most popular choices for today’s bride.
Rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) was once entwined in the bridal crown of Greek brides; Ivy (hedera helix) was given to Roman bridal couples during the ceremony; And Marjoram (origanum marjorana) was also used by both the Greeks and the Romans in the bridal crown. And all of these flowers and plants had different meanings too.
Some countries still carry out certain traditions today with wedding flowers. In England (my country of birth), ‘flower girls’ are still common in traditional weddings. The tradition of a flower girl is that she would precede the bride down the pathway to the church, scattering flower blossoms as she went, so that the bride would enjoy a lifetime of happiness and flowers. Although many people may not know the origins of the flower girl, they are still seen at English weddings today. In India, a similar role is played by the groom’s brother, scattering flower petals over the bridal couple at the end of the ceremony to supposedly ward off any evil spirits.
But it is not just the beauty and the colors of flowers that should be recognized. Perhaps, without realizing it, people have been using ‘aromatherapy’ in weddings for a long time…
But it is not just the beauty and the colors of flowers that should be recognized. Perhaps, without realizing it, people have been using ‘aromatherapy’ in weddings for a long time…
Sensory Perception
‘Olfaction is the sense of the imagination’ - Jean-Jaques Rousseau
Smell plays a greater part in our sensory perception of the universe than we realize. Smell is the only sense which has a direct link to the brain. Scientists believe that olfaction can influence our moods, thoughts and sexual behaviour. Thus, using aromatherapy in your wedding may have a greater impact on the lasting feelings of the day than you may have thought, if you choose the ‘right’ scents for the occasion!
An aromatic history
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet." Romeo and Juliet (II, ii 1-2)
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
As far back as Egyptian times, fragrant herbs were used in daily rituals. Papyrus manuscripts have been found which record the use of various plants, herbs, oils and perfumes. Fast forward through history, and it can be seen that the Greeks and Romans were avid users of ‘all things natural’ in their daily lives too. In fact, the Romans were known to use lavender (lavandula angustifolia) whilst bathing, which is carried through to today’s bathing habits, lavender (lavandula angustifolia) being a frequent ingredient in almost every commercially produced bath product (although rarely is it ‘true’ lavender oil but a synthetic hybrid).
As time progressed, the growth of the spice trade from the Far East brought new and exciting plants, herbs and spices to Europe. Scented gloves became a fashion icon of the age. The Princess of Neroli of Italy even had an essential oil named after her when she began wearing it as a perfume, that of Neroli (citrus aurantium var. amara) essential oil. Marie Antoinette of France (1755 - 1793) is famous for her extravagant lifestyle of riches, dresses and scents and it is said that whilst preparing to flee France, her departure was delayed by her insistence on preparing and taking with her a full ‘toilette’ of scents and lotions, a fact that may have cost her her life.
Synthetic fragrances replaced ‘true’ aromatic fragrances over time once the Industrial Revolution emerged in Europe, in particular in the UK. People moved to the cities, where the money was to be made, and left behind their country gardens and their ability to grow and use plants. Chemical science further increased the production of synthetic fragrances and oils, mass produced more cheaply than traditional ‘true’ oils, but failing to account for the exclusion of the ‘true’ aromatic properties from the ‘new’, improved copies of nature.
Recently, people are beginning to turn back to the ‘old’ beliefs and values of ‘true’ essential oils and aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy and your wedding
Imagine your wedding infused with a fragrance that will, in the future, instantly take you back to that day. Not only that, but the actual scent/s you choose have an effect on your guests in the most positive of ways. This is what careful use of aromatherapy can do for your wedding.
‘Aroma’ is defined as ‘a pleasant and distinctive smell’ (Oxford, 1999:73). It is thought to be derived from the Greek aroma ‘spice’.
So what can you use to ‘aromatherap-ise’ your wedding?
Basically, there is a huge variety of options you can choose from. There are even companies offering to ‘scent’ your wedding with ‘scent’ machines to designing your own exclusive ‘fragrance’ for the day.
But if you want to use ‘true’ aromatherapy fragrances and remain au naturelle for your wedding you may want to consider the following.
Bridal Shower
You and your girl friends can begin your aromatherapy celebration with the traditional bridal shower. Aromatherapy gift ideas can be found in our web store.
Invitations
Set the ‘scent’ for your wedding with your invitations. These can be scented with essential oils. Place a couple of cotton balls, scented with a few drops of your chosen essential oil, inside the box with your invitations a couple of weeks before sending them out. Make sure the cotton balls don’t touch your invitations otherwise you could end up with some unwanted marks.
Wedding day
Bridal bouquet
There are a number of natural aromatic choices for your bridal bouquet, the most popular being the rose (rosa x damascena). Or use herbal flowers. However, even if fragrant flowers are not chosen, essential oils can be used to ‘scent’ your bouquet. To do this, cotton balls, with a couple of drops of the chosen essential oil, can be hidden inside bouquets or purses.
The ceremony
A bride can use a natural fragrance of essential oils as her ‘perfume’, rather than a synthetic perfume. It will last longer and will be a constant reminder of her day. Alternatively, aromatherapy mist sprays can be used, not just for the bride, but for her bridesmaids and throughout her wedding ceremony.
As an alternative to confetti, rose petals, or dried lavender, can be thrown.
Decoration
You don’t have to use aromatherapy essential oils to find a true scent for your wedding venue. Use nature’s basics! (the source of pure essential oils)
Find real potted flowers/plants with fragrance to decorate your chosen location. Scent is a personal thing as well as the occasion used for but plants which may suitable for weddings and are some of my more ‘romantic’ favorites are the rose (rosa x damascena), lavender (lavandula angustifolia), geranium (pelargonium graveolens) and neroli (orange blossom) (citrus aurantium var. amara), all with the right charismatic properties to calm the nerves and initiate romance….
Their true scent will permeate your surroundings and they will have a longer life than cut flowers and plants. Depending on the location of your wedding, you could consider seasonal and local plants and flowers to the region. Herbs have fallen out of traditional use in weddings but can be pretty as well as fragrant, for example rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (thymus vulgaris).
Reed diffusers are another ‘natural’ way to fragrance your venue. Fast becoming more popular than traditional aromatherapy diffusers, they also make an alternatively interesting table decoration.
Aromatherapy candles can also be used. But use only those with ‘true’ essential oils and not synthetic fragrances for authenticity. And place them subtly within your ceremony, i.e. do not overpower the ‘natural’ fragrances of the day such as food and drink!
Rose petals, either real or freeze dried, can be scattered, releasing fragrance in to the air.
Gifts
For Guests
Your guests will have a constant reminder of your wedding day with a personalised wedding favor. Try aromatherapy essential oils blended together in a massage oil to continue the romance of the day! Or perhaps some aromatic beads, soap or bath salts to release the tension of the day! Whatever you choose, your guests will surely have a long lasting reminder of your day.
For Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids and attendants are at your constant side all day (and possibly before!) attending to every detail to ensure the perfect day. Pamper them with their own bridesmaids treat with massage oils and bubble bath after everything is over.
For Flower Girls
And don’t forget the little ones!! Even the youngest of your attendants will benefit from some aromatherapy fragrances, ensuring a stress-less day for everyone! Treat the most adorable of your flower girls to their very own ‘My little flower’, a fragrant blend of aromatherapy oils in bubble bath, spritzer or lotion.
The Honeymoon
An aromatherapy wedding basket will provide you with most of the necessary aromatic ingredients for the wedding night! In addition, you can arrange to have your room decorated with aromatic candles and rose petals for the ultimate seduction. An aromatherapy bath (for two!) can be drawn with essential oils and rose petals. With all those scents of the day still uppermost in both of your minds, and now the seclusion of your own aromatherapy recluse, you can prepare for that ultimate night to remember. Don’t forget the champagne……
The Morning After
Hopefully all that romance and relaxation has left you feeling completely chilled out. But should you have over indulged in champagne (or food) try either my ‘never again’ hangover blend (grapefruit (citrus paradisi), rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), fennel (foeniculum vulgare) and juniper (juniperus communis) essential oils in sunflower (helianthus annuus) oil) or my ‘pick-me-up’ blend (bergamot (citrus bergamia), clary sage (salvia sclarea) and orange sweet (citrus sinensis) essential oils in sweet almond (prunus dulcis) oil).
Sedona Weddings
If you are planning to be married in Sedona click here to see how I can help with your Aromatherapy Wedding.
Have a truly aromatic wedding!
Copyright Sharon Falsetto BA (Hons )2007 - 2010
References
Dragon, Debbie, 2006 ‘History of Wedding Flowers’ (article)
Feydeau, Elisabeth de, 2006 ‘A Scented Place’ UK & New York: IB Tauris & Co. Ltd
Garden Chick, 2005 ‘Herbal weddings: “something old, something new…” (article)
Green, Mindy, Keville Kathi 1995 ‘Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art’ Crossing Press
Holmes, Peter, 2002, ‘Energy Medicine: Aromatherapy Past and Present’ (article)
Hopman, Ellen Evert, 1995 ‘A Druid’s Herbal’ Inner Traditions
Lawless, Julia, 1995 ‘The illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils’ London: Thorsons
Oxford, 1999 ‘The Concise Oxford Dictionary 10th Edition Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999: 73, 1486
Price, Shirley, Price, Len, 1999 ‘Aromatherapy for Health Professionals Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone
Rose, Jeanne, Grae, Susan ‘An aromatic wedding’ (article)
‘Olfaction is the sense of the imagination’ - Jean-Jaques Rousseau
Smell plays a greater part in our sensory perception of the universe than we realize. Smell is the only sense which has a direct link to the brain. Scientists believe that olfaction can influence our moods, thoughts and sexual behaviour. Thus, using aromatherapy in your wedding may have a greater impact on the lasting feelings of the day than you may have thought, if you choose the ‘right’ scents for the occasion!
An aromatic history
“What's in a name? That which we call a rose
by any other name would smell as sweet." Romeo and Juliet (II, ii 1-2)
William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)
As far back as Egyptian times, fragrant herbs were used in daily rituals. Papyrus manuscripts have been found which record the use of various plants, herbs, oils and perfumes. Fast forward through history, and it can be seen that the Greeks and Romans were avid users of ‘all things natural’ in their daily lives too. In fact, the Romans were known to use lavender (lavandula angustifolia) whilst bathing, which is carried through to today’s bathing habits, lavender (lavandula angustifolia) being a frequent ingredient in almost every commercially produced bath product (although rarely is it ‘true’ lavender oil but a synthetic hybrid).
As time progressed, the growth of the spice trade from the Far East brought new and exciting plants, herbs and spices to Europe. Scented gloves became a fashion icon of the age. The Princess of Neroli of Italy even had an essential oil named after her when she began wearing it as a perfume, that of Neroli (citrus aurantium var. amara) essential oil. Marie Antoinette of France (1755 - 1793) is famous for her extravagant lifestyle of riches, dresses and scents and it is said that whilst preparing to flee France, her departure was delayed by her insistence on preparing and taking with her a full ‘toilette’ of scents and lotions, a fact that may have cost her her life.
Synthetic fragrances replaced ‘true’ aromatic fragrances over time once the Industrial Revolution emerged in Europe, in particular in the UK. People moved to the cities, where the money was to be made, and left behind their country gardens and their ability to grow and use plants. Chemical science further increased the production of synthetic fragrances and oils, mass produced more cheaply than traditional ‘true’ oils, but failing to account for the exclusion of the ‘true’ aromatic properties from the ‘new’, improved copies of nature.
Recently, people are beginning to turn back to the ‘old’ beliefs and values of ‘true’ essential oils and aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy and your wedding
Imagine your wedding infused with a fragrance that will, in the future, instantly take you back to that day. Not only that, but the actual scent/s you choose have an effect on your guests in the most positive of ways. This is what careful use of aromatherapy can do for your wedding.
‘Aroma’ is defined as ‘a pleasant and distinctive smell’ (Oxford, 1999:73). It is thought to be derived from the Greek aroma ‘spice’.
So what can you use to ‘aromatherap-ise’ your wedding?
Basically, there is a huge variety of options you can choose from. There are even companies offering to ‘scent’ your wedding with ‘scent’ machines to designing your own exclusive ‘fragrance’ for the day.
But if you want to use ‘true’ aromatherapy fragrances and remain au naturelle for your wedding you may want to consider the following.
Bridal Shower
You and your girl friends can begin your aromatherapy celebration with the traditional bridal shower. Aromatherapy gift ideas can be found in our web store.
Invitations
Set the ‘scent’ for your wedding with your invitations. These can be scented with essential oils. Place a couple of cotton balls, scented with a few drops of your chosen essential oil, inside the box with your invitations a couple of weeks before sending them out. Make sure the cotton balls don’t touch your invitations otherwise you could end up with some unwanted marks.
Wedding day
Bridal bouquet
There are a number of natural aromatic choices for your bridal bouquet, the most popular being the rose (rosa x damascena). Or use herbal flowers. However, even if fragrant flowers are not chosen, essential oils can be used to ‘scent’ your bouquet. To do this, cotton balls, with a couple of drops of the chosen essential oil, can be hidden inside bouquets or purses.
The ceremony
A bride can use a natural fragrance of essential oils as her ‘perfume’, rather than a synthetic perfume. It will last longer and will be a constant reminder of her day. Alternatively, aromatherapy mist sprays can be used, not just for the bride, but for her bridesmaids and throughout her wedding ceremony.
As an alternative to confetti, rose petals, or dried lavender, can be thrown.
Decoration
You don’t have to use aromatherapy essential oils to find a true scent for your wedding venue. Use nature’s basics! (the source of pure essential oils)
Find real potted flowers/plants with fragrance to decorate your chosen location. Scent is a personal thing as well as the occasion used for but plants which may suitable for weddings and are some of my more ‘romantic’ favorites are the rose (rosa x damascena), lavender (lavandula angustifolia), geranium (pelargonium graveolens) and neroli (orange blossom) (citrus aurantium var. amara), all with the right charismatic properties to calm the nerves and initiate romance….
Their true scent will permeate your surroundings and they will have a longer life than cut flowers and plants. Depending on the location of your wedding, you could consider seasonal and local plants and flowers to the region. Herbs have fallen out of traditional use in weddings but can be pretty as well as fragrant, for example rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (thymus vulgaris).
Reed diffusers are another ‘natural’ way to fragrance your venue. Fast becoming more popular than traditional aromatherapy diffusers, they also make an alternatively interesting table decoration.
Aromatherapy candles can also be used. But use only those with ‘true’ essential oils and not synthetic fragrances for authenticity. And place them subtly within your ceremony, i.e. do not overpower the ‘natural’ fragrances of the day such as food and drink!
Rose petals, either real or freeze dried, can be scattered, releasing fragrance in to the air.
Gifts
For Guests
Your guests will have a constant reminder of your wedding day with a personalised wedding favor. Try aromatherapy essential oils blended together in a massage oil to continue the romance of the day! Or perhaps some aromatic beads, soap or bath salts to release the tension of the day! Whatever you choose, your guests will surely have a long lasting reminder of your day.
For Bridesmaids
Your bridesmaids and attendants are at your constant side all day (and possibly before!) attending to every detail to ensure the perfect day. Pamper them with their own bridesmaids treat with massage oils and bubble bath after everything is over.
For Flower Girls
And don’t forget the little ones!! Even the youngest of your attendants will benefit from some aromatherapy fragrances, ensuring a stress-less day for everyone! Treat the most adorable of your flower girls to their very own ‘My little flower’, a fragrant blend of aromatherapy oils in bubble bath, spritzer or lotion.
The Honeymoon
An aromatherapy wedding basket will provide you with most of the necessary aromatic ingredients for the wedding night! In addition, you can arrange to have your room decorated with aromatic candles and rose petals for the ultimate seduction. An aromatherapy bath (for two!) can be drawn with essential oils and rose petals. With all those scents of the day still uppermost in both of your minds, and now the seclusion of your own aromatherapy recluse, you can prepare for that ultimate night to remember. Don’t forget the champagne……
The Morning After
Hopefully all that romance and relaxation has left you feeling completely chilled out. But should you have over indulged in champagne (or food) try either my ‘never again’ hangover blend (grapefruit (citrus paradisi), rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), fennel (foeniculum vulgare) and juniper (juniperus communis) essential oils in sunflower (helianthus annuus) oil) or my ‘pick-me-up’ blend (bergamot (citrus bergamia), clary sage (salvia sclarea) and orange sweet (citrus sinensis) essential oils in sweet almond (prunus dulcis) oil).
Sedona Weddings
If you are planning to be married in Sedona click here to see how I can help with your Aromatherapy Wedding.
Have a truly aromatic wedding!
Copyright Sharon Falsetto BA (Hons )2007 - 2010
References
Dragon, Debbie, 2006 ‘History of Wedding Flowers’ (article)
Feydeau, Elisabeth de, 2006 ‘A Scented Place’ UK & New York: IB Tauris & Co. Ltd
Garden Chick, 2005 ‘Herbal weddings: “something old, something new…” (article)
Green, Mindy, Keville Kathi 1995 ‘Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art’ Crossing Press
Holmes, Peter, 2002, ‘Energy Medicine: Aromatherapy Past and Present’ (article)
Hopman, Ellen Evert, 1995 ‘A Druid’s Herbal’ Inner Traditions
Lawless, Julia, 1995 ‘The illustrated Encyclopaedia of Essential Oils’ London: Thorsons
Oxford, 1999 ‘The Concise Oxford Dictionary 10th Edition Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999: 73, 1486
Price, Shirley, Price, Len, 1999 ‘Aromatherapy for Health Professionals Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone
Rose, Jeanne, Grae, Susan ‘An aromatic wedding’ (article)
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