Have you ever caught a whiff of perfume and been reminded of a loved one, or felt instant relaxation at the scent wafting from your favorite coffee shop? Our sense of smell holds a powerful sway over our emotions, yet it’s the sense that’s most often overlooked at events.
If you aren’t using scents to elevate your event experience, you’re missing out on an easy way to get ahead of the competition. Let’s talk about why scent pairing is the new wine pairing and how you can use it to activate every sense at the table.
Why Scents Are a Powerful Addition to Your Event
Out of all our senses, smell is the most strongly tied to memory, meaning that scent pairing isn’t just a passing trend you should embrace. It’s also a smart strategy to ensure your guests remember your event.
Even better, because scents affect emotions, successful scent pairing increases the likelihood your guests will remember your event in a positive light.
How to Use Scent Pairing to Activate Every Sense at the Table
As an event planner, it’s often easy to appeal to the other senses. Serve delicious food, choose appealing decor and comfortable seating, hire fantastic musicians, and voilà, you’ve engaged the senses.
Scent, on the other hand, is often limited to floral installations and catering. It’s time to branch out.
Next time you host an event, try incorporating scent pairing. It’s simpler than you think! Just select scents that complement your event food or theme, or that evoke the emotions you’re hoping to inspire in your guests. Here are some examples to try.
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- Rosemary and Basil paired with Italian dishes
- Mint and citrus paired with seafood
- Cinnamon, cloves, and pine paired with Christmas dinner
- Orange and bergamot to elevate your summer soiree
- Lavender and vanilla to complement your wellness lounge
- Coconut and lime paired with a tropical paradise theme
- Saffron and amber to set the mood for an evening pool party
- Peppermint and eucalyptus to help guests stay alert during conferences
Remember to Use Scents Judiciously
When scents are used judiciously, they have the power to elevate your event. However, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. You don’t want to fill your entire event with scents that clash with one another or watch your guests leave in droves after choking on the air.
When it comes to scent pairing, subtlety is best. Choose a few places to highlight, such as entryways, dining rooms, or dance floors. For instance, you may want to include a grand floral installation in the entryway, place herbal centerpieces in your dining room, and diffuse essential oils in the ballroom. Long before your guests arrive, however, do a walk-through to ensure the scents create a pleasant atmosphere, don’t clash, and aren’t overwhelming.
If you’re stuck, reach out to the pros. Companies like Olfactory NYC can help you design custom scents to diffuse at your event.
Showcase Your Scent-Pairing Expertise at the Expo
Now that you know all about scent-pairing, it’s time to show off your skills! The Event Planner Expo offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your business, network, and forge new partnerships. Sign up to exhibit today, and start crafting a signature scent that encourages visitors to linger at your booth!
