Events, big or small, often turn into a circus of senses-guests juggle and admire with awe various details big and small. Time is invested on eye-appealing decor and color schemes, selecting the perfect musicians, and having as many tastings as needed to nail the perfect menu. But in this detail-driven world, (channeling my Carrie Bradshaw) I have often wondered...have forgotten the nose?
As event planners, we lend so much FIRST and foremost, to what visually appeals to guests. And of course, this makes sense. Every event planner (and host) wants their guests to walk into a room and be fully enveloped in beauty and character. And, true, guests are most likely to draw impressions from what they see and what colors "pop."It seems most naturally that we spend the bulk of our sensory time focused on the visuals.
Then, we have the sense of touch. Admit it. How many times have you sat down to eat and admired an overlay or fabric with your forefinger and thumb? Ok, no? Just me?! :) I love feeling different textures, and often spend time debating types of fabric, and admiring their unique "flavors." And, as an "insider tip," I can't tell you HOW many times I see guests actually feel the centerpieces. I'm not lying. For whatever reason, people LOVE feeling flowers. Part of me thinks that they are verifying their reality, and part of me thinks that we just like to "feel" great beauty. (Tip to brides: go with the real flora-your guests (and their fingers) will thank you!) I've also seen this done with feathers, candle displays, and other inanimate objects alike. Let's face it-humans are curious (and admiring) creatures :)
But...let's skip to smell! Do we think about scents while planning events? (And must we rhyme EVERY single time?!!) The answer is no on both accounts. But, I'd like to say that it's a WONDERFUL touch and detail that will make you (and your event) stand out when done correctly.
I'm not advising you to select your favorite cologne and go crazy spraying it throughout your venue. While I adore a good makeup counter, we're not striving to make your wedding or special event feel like one. On the flip side, do be mindful of the way a room smells as an added courtesy for your guests. I honestly can't tell you which wedding or venue I worked, but I literally had Coordinator, Allie, spraying Febreeze (the standard scent) like crazy to kill the odor before the bridal party arrived. The last thing you want after you've spent big bucks on your most special day is to walk into a room smelling of foot.
Some helpful hints-If you have an older building or venue, make sure that your Planner or Coordinator packs the Febreeze on reserve. Art spaces, lofts, industrial converts can sometimes also fall into this category. Another good back up is scented candles (I love Yankee Candle's Fluffy Towels for a "clean," "crisp" smell and Home Sweet Home for "warmth.") While I ADORE candles that invoke kitchen aromas, the last thing you want is your guests STARVING before dinner is served or hors d'oeurves are passed.
If you have an outdoors setting, consider something like this that I found on Pinterest....
http://pinterest.com/pin/76913106106705933/
It's beautiful, and the candle will actually heat the jasmine to emit the lovely smell throughout the event. Double duty detail. I like it! And of course, there are other options for aromatics at your event if you're not into candles or your venue won't allow them. Just ask Katy Perry :)
http://blogamole.tr3s.com/2011/01/31/katy-perry-infuses-tour-with-scent-of-cotton-candy/
During her last world tour, to ensure her guests got the ENTIRE experience, she made her venues smell of cotton candy. Now THAT, my dears, is attention to detail ;)
And if you're curious, have ideas, or want to talk events...and cotton candy, you know where to find me.
Happy Celebrating!
Lettie
