While visual aesthetics, music, and cuisine often take center stage in event design, there's a powerful, often overlooked element that can transform an ordinary event into an unforgettable sensory journey: aromatherapy.

In this blog post, we'll explore how incorporating aromatherapy into your event planning can enhance ambiance, evoke emotions, and create lasting memories for attendees. We'll cover the science behind scent and memory, practical tips for implementation, and creative ideas for various types of events.

THE POWER OF SCENT: UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE

Before we dive into practical applications, it's worthwhile to understand why scent is such a powerful tool in event planning. The human olfactory system, responsible for our sense of smell, is directly linked to the limbic system, which processes emotions and memories. This connection explains why certain scents can instantly transport us back to specific moments in time or evoke strong emotional responses. In fact, scent memories are more vivid and emotional than memories triggered by other senses. They can last for years and are often associated with specific life events.

While humans may not have the nose power of dogs or XX, our sense of smell is pretty darned impressive. The human nose can distinguish among millions of different odors, and we can detect scents in extremely low concentrations (parts per trillion).

Not only do the scents we detect live on in our memories, they also impact us in the here and now. Scents can influence mood, productivity, and decision-making. Not only, that, but pleasant scents can increase alertness and improve cognitive performance.

So, why not use scents, in the form of aroma therapy, to take your events to new levels? It can enhance attendees’ experience, improve their ability to learn and retain information, and make your events highly memorable.

PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: AROMATHERAPY TECHNIQUES FOR EVENTS

Now that we understand the importance of scent, let's explore various ways to incorporate aromatherapy into your events.

Reed Diffusers

These diffusers are ideal for smaller, intimate spaces or as part of table centerpieces. They’re low maintenance and long-lasting. And, they can be customized with decorative containers to match your event décor.

Electric Diffusers

If your event will be in a large area, electric diffusers are a great choice that allow for controlled dispersion of essential oils. Some diffusers feature programmable options for intermittent scent release, and you can even go with models with color-changing lights for added ambiance.

Nebulizers

Another option, nebulizers, provide a concentrated scent without heat or water. This can be a good choice for high-impact areas or outdoor spaces.

STRATEGIC PLACEMENT

If you’ll be using aromatherapy at your event, consider the layout of your event space and place scent sources strategically. Entrance areas are ideal, because they help you create a welcoming atmosphere and set the tone for your attendees’ experience.

Networking spaces could be a good choice, too. You can use invigorating scents like citrus or peppermint to energize conversations. For extra impact, offer refreshing beverages that complement the chosen scent.

If you’d like to use scents in dining areas, proceed carefully. You don’t want to overpower the food aromas or interfere with guests’ enjoyment of their meals. Subtle, appetizing aromas like herbs or light florals, however, can enhance the culinary experience. You can even go a step further and change scents between courses for a multi-sensory dining experience.

If you plan to offer attendees relaxation zones, where they can take breaks between scheduled activities, try incorporating soothing scents like chamomile or sandalwood in quiet areas. For more impact, try using these scents in conjunction with comfortable seating and soft lighting. Your attendees will appreciate the mini “oasis” that you create for them to recharge during long events.

SCENTED DECOR ELEMENTS

For a more immersive experience for your guests, incorporate aromatherapy into your event’s décor. If you’ll have floral arrangements, for example, you could choose fragrant fresh and dried flowers that complement your chosen scent profile. Other scent-décor combos could include:

Herb gardens: Mini potted herbs would serve as both décor and natural fragrance sources. If you go this route, you could enhance the experience by offering herb-infused beverages or dishes that tie in with the sensory experience.

Scented linens: Use lightly scented tablecloths or napkins for a subtle olfactory touch. Again, since you don’t want to interfere with guests’ dining experience, choose gentle, clean scents.

PERSONAL AROMATHERAPY EXPERIENCES

As much as possible, make the aromatherapy an individual experience for your attendees. You can achieve that by offering hand towels scented with rejuvenating scents like eucalyptus or mint. Present the towers in decorative baskets or on elegant trays.

Another possibility is to set up aromatherapy stations where guests can create their own scent blends or sample different fragrances. Line up a helper, or create attractive handouts, that offer guidance on scent combinations and their benefits. Make sure guests have a way to take home samples of their custom blends, possibly on a card or in the form of a sachet.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCENTS: A GUIDE FOR DIFFERENT EVENTS

Selecting the appropriate scents for your event will be important. What works for a romantic wedding won’t necessarily be a good fit for a corporate gathering or a high school graduation party. Here's a guide to help you choose the right aromas for various occasions:

Corporate Events and Conferences

In this case, your goal is to enhance attendees’ focus, productivity, and networking. Recommended scents include:

-Peppermint: Increases alertness and improves memory

-Lemon: Boosts mood and cognitive performance

-Rosemary: Enhances mental clarity and retention

-Eucalyptus: Promotes clear thinking and stress relief

Pro tip: To support branding, think about creating a signature scent for your company’s events.

Weddings and Romantic Celebrations

When you’re setting out to create a romantic, memorable atmosphere, recommended scents include:

-Rose: Symbolizes love and creates a romantic ambiance

-Jasmine: Uplifts mood

-Vanilla: Evokes feelings of comfort and happiness

-Sandalwood: Promotes relaxation and sensuality

Outdoor Events and Festivals

To energize attendees and complement their natural surroundings, try

-Citrus blends: Refresh and invigorate

-Ocean breeze: Creates a feeling of freshness and expansiveness

BEST PRACTICES AND CONSIDERATIONS

As you incorporate aromatherapy into your event planning, keep these best practices in mind:

Less is More

Avoid overwhelming guests with strong scents. Instead, aim for subtle, pleasant aromas that enhance rather than dominate. And while it may seem logical to increase concentrations of essential oils in larger spaces, the wiser choice is to use lower concentrations because higher concentrations can become overpowering and may cause discomfort for some guests, particularly those with sensitivities or allergies.

Consider Allergies and Sensitivities

In fact, you should always inform guests about the use of fragrances and provide scent-free areas for those with sensitivities. Just like you would with meals, have a list of ingredients available for those with specific allergies.

Layer Scents Carefully

If you use multiple fragrances at your event, choose scents that complement each other. If space allows, you can create a "scent journey" through different areas of your event.

Test in Advance

Also important: Talk with your venue about the possibility of testing your chosen scents and diffusion methods in your event space before the actual event. That will give you a chance to adjust concentrations and placement as needed. Keep in mind that factors like air circulation, temperature, and humidity could impact how your scents diffuse during your event.

Educate Your Team

Make sure your event staff understands the purpose and implementation of aromatherapy, and train team members to answer guest questions about the scents used. Give team members specific roles for maintaining and adjusting scent elements throughout the event.

MEASURING SUCCESS: POST-EVENT EVALUATION

To gauge the effectiveness of your aromatherapy efforts, consider surveying guests about your event's ambiance and their sensory experiences. Ask about specific scents and their impact on the overall experience.

It also would be wise to monitor social media for mentions of the event's atmosphere or unique sensory elements and gather insights from your team about guest reactions and comments.

Incorporating scents into events does require careful planning and precautions, but their potential impact is worth the extra effort.

The next time you're designing an event, don't just think about what guests will see, hear, and taste – consider what they'll smell, and watch as their experience transforms into something truly unforgettable.

The Bell Tower on 34th is an elegant, accessible event space with valet parking and onsite security serving the Greater Houston area. Our central location is a short drive from the Galleria area and the Houston Heights area.

Learn more about holding a corporate event here.

The Bell Tower on 34th

901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018

(713) 868-2355