I read the perfumistas threads and am hoping that some of the knowledgeable fragrance enthusiasts here can help me to choose a (winter) wedding fragrance. I am looking for something with reasonable sillage and duration, but not too shouty; also something which will develop rather than be linear. I'd like to find something I absolutely love, rather than just something I like.
I tend to pick chypres, and I love vetiver but often find it a bit more masculine than I want it to be. Currently I have FBs of:
Miller Harris Vetiver Insolent – have an on/off love of this. I love the vetiver but it's heavy on the woody notes and I find it a bit too masculine as a result.
Miller Harris L'Eau Magnetique – fresh, inoffensive, this is my everyday perfume for work, but not very exciting/special.
Guerlain Parure – I adore this one but DP doesn't. Also it's quite dry and severe – I'd like something more inviting for the wedding.
Diptyque Philosokos – love it but think of this one as summery, and DP is not so keen on strong fig.
Prior to the above, I wore Chanel Coco EDP, Prada Infusions d'Iris, and Bottega Veneta (the first one).
From the above choices, and my reading of the perfumistas threads, I've concluded that I like woody/spicy (but not too woody) or green/citrusy. I don't like anything too sweet or floral, so am not keen on anything with dominant vanilla or amber.
I have tried:
Chanel Sycomore – so far this is in the lead. I like that it's a vetiver which is more feminine but I can't say I absolutely love it.
L'Artisan Parfumeur Dzongkha – liked this but DP didn't like the smoky note.
Chanel Coromandel – was surprised I didn't love this, as everyone seems to.
Frederic Malle Vetiver Extraordinaire – I did love this, and would definitely wear it, but think it's a bit on the masculine side for my wedding day.
Histoires des Parfums 1899 – a spicebomb. Bit masculine.
AdP Colonia Intensa – this is probably second favourite so far but like Sycomore, I don't love it.
Tauer – un rose chypree (bit of a departure but had a sample in a drawer. Bit too strong for me, though I loved how it developed.
I've also sniffed (in Liberty) most of the Kilian, Keiko Mecheri and Francois Kurkdjian offerings, and liked some but didn't love any. Similarly not especially keen on Jo Malone.
Haven't tried but would like to: Mona di Orio Vetyver.
I would love any other suggestions of fragrances to look out for. I'm not far from London but won't be able to get into London for weeks, so am limited to ordering samples online at present. Would be great to have a better idea of what to look for and stop wasting time on blind buys I end up not liking!