Plan the Wedding Using All of the 5 Senses
Concentrate on the Sense of Sight, Touch, Smell, Hearing and Taste
Nov 2, 2009
Most people don’t realize that all of the senses are used all the time. Memories are made based on sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste. As people think back to their happiest times, they’re likely to have fond thoughts of how something or someone smelled and felt, the taste and aroma of food and pleasant sounds. Concentrating on all the senses for the wedding and reception will add depth to the experience.
Sense of Sight
Visual appeal is important in almost every wedding, so decorations are generally focused on the sense of sight. Adding another layer, with more background focus and intricate detail will keep the eye moving and interested. Create visual impact in every corner at at all levels.
Strong color schemes enhance visual appeal at both the wedding venue and reception site.
- Black and white with or without a splash of color
- Deep tapestries of forest green, chocolate brown and burgundy
- Contrasting colors such as red and green or purple and yellow
- Gold or silver accent
- Single color impact, such as all white
Using symbols can evoke memories.
- Symbols of family heritage
- Honoring deceased or absent loved ones with flowers or candles
- Showing the union of two different cultures
Sense of Touch
Touch is an often overlooked sense because of the personal space and distance many people create. However, the sense of touch should not be ignored while planning the wedding because it creates feelings and warmth.
A variety of textures adds interest and depth to everything.
- Embossed invitations
- Bridal favors with scrollwork or carvings
- Napkin rings with cutouts
Sense of Smell
Many memories are made from the sense of smell. Mothers often inhale the scent of their babies and smile. Men and women wear fragrance to attract each other. The aroma of a favorite food can cause a person’s mouth to water. A wafting scent can bring back the joyful memories of the wedding.
Find ways to stimulate the sense of smell.
- Place bowls of potpourri in strategic places at the wedding and reception.
- Use fresh aromatic herbs in centerpieces.
- Sprinkle fragrant rose petals around the cake and centerpieces.
Sense of Hearing
Sounds of the traditional wedding songs conjure images in many people’s heads and bring a smile to their lips. The sounds of children playing remind folks of happy days of their youth. The sense of hearing will enhance the event and turn it into a very special wedding.
Fill the air with sounds of joy, laughter and music.
- Outdoor music as people arrive at the church
- Music while seating the guests at the wedding
- Ringing bells if the church has a bell tower or a recording of bells
- Adding tambourines and noisemakers as the bride and groom exit the church
- Joyful music at the reception
Sense of Taste
A variety of flavors at the wedding will ensure each guest will be happy. Add something traditional, something new and something unique. Wedding food can be as interesting and fun as the event itself.
Food not only brings people together, it gives them a sense of well being.
- Mix flavors such as sweet, spicy, sour and peppery.
- Choose a cake that not only looks beautiful, but tastes good, too.
- Offer a variety of desserts for those who don’t care for cake.
- Instead of a set menu, have food stations set up at the reception.
A Wedding and Reception Filled with Sensory Pleasures
Wedding guests will come away from the wedding filled with sensory pleasures, knowing that something special has just happened. And when they see, touch, smell, hear or taste something later, they’ll be transported back to that special wedding.
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