A bride-to-be has sparked huge debate after asking guests to follow one strict rule at her wedding and ditch all fragrance.
She explained that perfume is her ‘biggest migraine trigger’ and can cause symptoms so severe they mimic a stroke, so she warned guests ahead of the big day not to wear any scented products.
While many agreed that skipping perfume for one day was a reasonable request, things quickly escalated when others suggested guests should be sniffed on arrival, avoid scented laundry detergent, and even buy brand new clothes for the occasion.
One supporter went as far as suggesting anyone caught breaking the rule should be turned away.
The unusual debate has since resurfaced on Reddit, where users were left stunned by just how far some people were willing to go to create a completely fragrance-free celebration.
The original bride had shared her request on both her wedding invitations and website in the hope guests would take her condition seriously.
‘Fragrance is my biggest migraine trigger. [I] also get symptoms that mimic a stroke. Hope people take this seriously!’ she wrote.
A bride-to-be has sparked huge debate after asking guests to follow one strict rule at her wedding and ditch all fragrance
A card accompanying the wedding information explained that the request was being made for medical reasons and applied to both the wedding and a post-wedding brunch on the Monday morning.
‘The bride and members of the bridal party have severe fragrance allergies that will trigger significant health reactions,’ the notice read.
‘Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us create a safe & joyful celebration on our special day.’
While the initial request appeared reasonable to many, the conversation soon took a more extreme turn as people began suggesting additional precautions the couple could introduce.
One person enthusiastically backed the rule but argued the bride should make the consequences for ignoring it crystal clear.
‘This is awesome. Personally, I would also add: “Any guest found in violation of this policy will be denied entry to the events”,’ they wrote.
Another suggested perfume and body lotion were only part of the problem and that guests should also be warned about scented laundry products.
‘I love the idea, but I think you should consider adding laundry detergent to the list,’ they said.
While many agreed that skipping perfume for one day was a reasonable request, things quickly escalated when others suggested guests should be sniffed on arrival
One supporter of the rules went as far as suggesting anyone caught breaking the rule should be turned away
They then suggested appointing a ‘trusted sniffer’ to enforce the rule, claiming they had previously heard of a wedding where a bridesmaid deliberately smelled guests as they arrived.
According to the commenter, anyone who failed the sniff test was directed somewhere they could wash off their perfume before joining the celebration.
The discussion became even more bizarre when one person admitted they would happily put up with body odour if the alternative was fragrance.
‘I’d rather smell cat urine and faeces!’ the bride replied.
‘At least that doesn’t give me horrible migraine attacks and stick to my hair and clothes! Disgusting.’
Others shared their own experiences of fragrance-free events and suggested the bride might need to introduce even more extensive rules if she wanted to completely eliminate scents.
One commenter claimed their cousin had issued a much longer list of instructions for her own wedding, including asking guests to schedule salon visits well in advance.
‘If you’re getting your hair done at a salon, or colouring your hair, make sure it is at least a week before the wedding,’ they recalled of one of the rules.
A card accompanying the wedding information explained that the request was being made for medical reasons and applied to both the wedding and a post-wedding brunch
The discussion became even more bizarre when one person admitted they would happily put up with body odour if the alternative was fragrance
They said guests had also been warned about laundry products and advised not to use scented products for at least a week beforehand.
Even previously worn coats and jumpers could pose a problem if they still carried traces of fragrance, they claimed.
But perhaps the most extreme proposal was for guests to purchase completely new outfits specifically for the occasion.
‘Clothes that have been worn wearing fragrances in the past are still going to stink,’ one person wrote.
‘Make it a casual celebration and ask attendees to buy some cheap clothes to wear. Then donate the clothes afterwards.’
That suggestion proved a step too far for many Reddit users after screenshots of the conversation were shared, and while some sympathised with the bride’s sensitivity to fragrance, others couldn’t resist poking fun at the increasingly elaborate measures being proposed.
‘I like the idea of the wedding having a bouncer but it’s actually a 90 lb bridesmaid that will sniff each guest before allowing entry,’ one joked.
Another commenter said they were also sensitive to perfume, explaining that strong fragrances made them feel sick and gave them headaches too.
Most suggestions proved a step too far for many Reddit users after screenshots of the conversation were shared (stock photo)
They recalled walking into a Dairy Queen with their seven-year-old when their child suddenly noticed the scent of the person ahead of them.
‘She immediately turned around and yelled across the crowded restaurant, “stay back daddy, this guy stinks!” as she pointed at the guy in front of her in line,’ they wrote.
‘I would rather skip the wedding than be subjected to anyone sniffing me or my body,’ one person declared.
‘I just saw the last one about suggesting fragrance-free casual clothes to change everyone into. THAT IS ABSURD,’ one wrote.
‘Honestly they should just provide hospital gowns,’ another joked.
‘Yes, cheap, disposable clothes: famously chemical-free,’ someone else sarcastically added.
Another was left wondering exactly how the proposed post-wedding clothing donation would work in practice.
‘Do they get naked and hand their clothes to the clothing donation bin to leave?’ they asked.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login