This idea is so much fun I can’t wait to share it. Just when you think there’s nothing new under the ‘wedding sun’, I find an amazing event- eh I’m gonna call it an accessory because it really is something you add to your event to take it over the top, like adding a diamond necklace to a gorgeous wedding gown. So without further ado, let me introduce you to award-winning innovator, Tracy Pepe of Nose Knows Consulting.
That’s right. I’m talking about scent. I think it’s incredibly cool and so luxurious to have a custom scent designed for your wedding or event. People expect to be wowed by the food, the decor and flowers, but they will never forget a wedding with a signature smell. Or a bachelorette party. Or rehearsal dinner. That’s where Tracy comes in. You know how curious I am so I asked her for an interview. She graciously agreed and here’s what she shared.
Tracy Pepe, NoseKnowsConsulting.com
How does one become a fragrance designer (if that’s the right title)
I am a Scent Brander – (perfumer) I was trained in cosmetics/spa services- products in Germany – enhanced my education in perfumery and studied/apprenticed with Stephen V. Dowthwaite, I have spent my entire careers scenting spaces – building brands/marketing and focusing on how scent impacts people.
How can planners use your services to make a wedding unique
Scenting a space is similar to art – using aroma can be the backdrop to an event – adding the fifth dimension. Scent can impact the size of the room making it feel bigger – smaller, it can add to the elements of love and create romance, having a custom fragrance ( my speciality) would be a bride or grooms ultimate keepsake – smell the aroma and always remember the event.
What’s the biggest mistake you see couples making when considering scent.
They choose the scent on what they would like personally not what the scent will do for the room and guests. For example brides choose colours to match wedding themes but would another colour work better, add more elegance, create more glamour or make it more simple – scent is similar. Fish is a common odour at an event – not understanding the menu but adding a flower scent could be disaster – you need to create scent design by using all the elements of the event.
What’s the most fun event you ever did and why
I normally do not do personal events – my work is professional – fun is everything I do – but impactful is watching how scent changes a presentation, mood and experience for an individual. I work with 100% pure & safe aromas – while scenting a hospital I had the pleasure of watching very ill patients feel better in their transition of death – all because they could close their eyes and smell a wonderful scent that took them to another place & time. Scent is powerful.
What do people want to know about your work but often are afraid to ask.
How much – surprising it can be expensive one event cost $50K but I have done events for $5K – so it depends – my work is custom. How do we scent — we use my patented process that allows us to scent fabric banners – it is a brilliant keepsake – and the visual can be anything. How I do this? Well that’s a secret! BUT the what the scent does is powerful! If people want to learn more, I have published a book, Sniff Book , that I’m happy to offer a signed copy at a discounted price to your readers. – yes I take all credit cards.
What are you doing next?
I’m the keynote speaker on scent marketing at the Shoppers Insight in Action -Chicago – July 11 – 14th – I can offer a special discount to those who contact me. Other than that – thanks!
