Leading bridal beautician, Lubna Rafiq observed that whilst many brides spend ages choosing the perfect outfit and jewellery and work hard with their beautician to achieve the perfect look for the big day, they pay absolutely no attention to how good they should smell and the perfumes they wear. Make no mistake, it matters!

Your choice of fragrance not only says a lot about your personality, the perfume you use should also befit the occasion. With this in mind Lubna has come up trumps with the most seductive shaadi scents for 2006.

LIGHT BLUE BY DOLCE & GABANNA
One dab and I was hooked on the latest creation by the most impertinent and innovative of Italian designers Dolce and Gabbana. The scent is addictive and zesty and I found the balance of flowers and green apple notes an enticement to joie de vivre. Despite its name, Light Blue is by no means light. Both overwhelming and irresistible, it has a crisp, fruity smell, which smells good enough to wear from first thing in the morning until last thing at night. This distinctive fragrance opens on a fresh and gourmet note of Sicily Cedar, Granny Smith apple and bluebells and is powered by jasmine, bamboo, white rose, amber and musk. The bottle is simple, yet the fragrance is unique

Lubna's Verdict: The bride who wears Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue loves summer... flirting... fresh fruit... soft fabrics. When the scent hits a passer by, you'd expect to turn to see a beautiful lady wearing it, you, of course!

AU THE BLANC BY BVLGARI
New from Bulgari is a white tea partner for its Eau Parfumee Au The Vert. Delivering warmer, more intimate and spiritual notes than its sister scent, Eau Parfumee Au The Blanc helps promote relaxation and well being for mind and body.

The signature heart note is combined with abelmosk and white pepper to accentuate its revitalising properties, preceded by top notes of restful artemesia and musk. The frosted glass bottle eachoes the design of Bulgari's green tea original, with straight lines and simple graphics.

Lubna's Verdict: This is a fresh, clean scent, with a light undertone of powder. Mind you, it is neither an old lady nor a baby powder type of scent. Rather it is quite unique and refreshing. If snow were scented, this is what I would imagine it to smell like. Truly Exquisite!

CHERISH BY GHOST
Ghost Cherish is a fresh powdery floral fragrance. Ghost Cherish begins with a beautiful and deliciously fresh combination of top notes, with pink grapefruit, crisp green apple and the dreamy essence of freesia. This mellows to reveal a warm and feminine heart of roses, angelic pink lotus flower and the tender touch of violet. As the fragrance develops it reveals a sensual base of warm amber, cedarwood, and musk.

Lubna's Verdict: This is a fragrance designed to soothe you, nurture you and bring you happiness. The Cherish Ghost bride embodies purity combined with individuality. Her style is one of subtle sensuality. She is a modern romantic, honest and open. She has faith in herself and appreciates life and all the wonderful things it has to offer.

CHANCE BY CHANEL
An unexpected floral, a constellation of orbiting scents. Waves of freshness merge with sensual, sweet and spicy elements. It's your chance . . . TAKE IT! A decidedly young scent .for those who dare to dream. Subtly sensual fragrance evolves from one moment to the next, surprising you by its metamorphosis. Every moment is unique.

Lubna's Verdict: A fragrance for the bride who is young, vivacious, unpredictable and full of life! Spray liberally over the body for a hint of sexiness and delicious naughtiness.

LOVELY BY SARAH JESSICA PARKER
Introducing a fragrance as Lovely as the woman who created it - Sarah Jessica Parker. Like her personal style, her fragrance is a flashback to the classics, made modern with her trademark twists on tradition. Sarah Jessica Parker blends a scent of pure innocence with the exotic nature of a precious oil and the sophistication of a fine parfum.

She has created a signature scent that is feminine, timeless and ageless. Top notes sparkle with Fresh Mandarin, Bergamot and Radiant Rosewood rushing into Lush Lavender and Crisp Apple Martini. Middle Notes Blossom with Exotic Patchouli, the perfume of paper whites and creamy orchid.

Lubna's Verdict: Lovely Sarah Jessica Parker is a beautiful, dreamy yet quite alive fragrance appropriate for every bride and every occasion. It will make you feel deliciously feminine and will seduce and linger all evening.

About The Author
Lubna Rafiq is on of the UK's leading Bridal Beauticians and a style consultant for Your Dream SHaadi. The work of Lubna is synonymous with alluring magic, cutting edge talent and matchless beauty. Lubna's love and commitment to her profession is exemplary, treating make up as an art form, an expression of divinity, never settling for anything but the very best. To view Lubna's portfolio and book an appointment with her, please visit www.art-beauty.co.uk