Bridal Bouquet by Dana c1969

Bridal Bouquet by Dana, first launched in 1935 under the name "Ramilette de Novia" in Spanish-speaking countries, was relaunched in 1969 with the English name "Bridal Bouquet." The choice of this name carries a timeless association with weddings, purity, and the romantic imagery of a bride’s flower arrangement. The term "bridal bouquet" refers to the flowers carried by the bride on her wedding day, often composed of fresh, fragrant blooms chosen for their symbolism and beauty. The word "bridal" refers to anything related to a bride, while "bouquet" refers to a bunch of flowers, typically arranged in an elegant and visually pleasing way. When combined, "Bridal Bouquet" evokes images of innocence, celebration, love, and new beginnings—all feelings associated with a wedding day.

In 1969, a time of cultural change and fashion experimentation, Dana’s decision to reintroduce Bridal Bouquet under this evocative name was not coincidental. The late 1960s were marked by a shift toward both personal and social liberation, with trends that favored both elegance and simplicity in women’s fashion. The 1960s also saw the rise of the modern bride, someone who was more likely to choose an elegant, timeless wedding bouquet, perhaps made up of white flowers like lilies, roses, and orchids, which symbolize purity, love, and commitment. The flower imagery tied to weddings perfectly complemented the ideals of this era—romantic, hopeful, and forward-looking.

The name Bridal Bouquet aligned well with the cultural ethos of the 1960s, a time when floral scents were in high demand, especially for women’s fragrances. Florals were seen as the epitome of femininity and grace, and a scent called Bridal Bouquet would resonate strongly with women of the time who desired a perfume that represented these qualities. The association with weddings, romance, and the purity of fresh flowers would have appealed to women looking for a fragrance that was elegant, fresh, and sophisticated—traits often desired in both the ideal bride and the ideal fragrance.

The scent of Bridal Bouquet itself, classified as a classic white floral, would have reinforced the emotions evoked by its name. A white floral fragrance is typically composed of delicate, sweet floral notes like jasmine, rose, lily of the valley, and gardenia—all flowers that are often found in bridal bouquets. These flowers are traditionally associated with purity, innocence, and new beginnings, qualities that make Bridal Bouquet a fitting name for the perfume. The fragrance would have been interpreted as soft, elegant, and fresh—like the cool, gentle touch of a wedding day. The florals would have been sweet, light, and uplifting, representing both the youth and joy of a bride stepping into a new chapter of her life.

In the context of other perfumes on the market at the time, Bridal Bouquet was not unique in its composition but rather a reflection of an ongoing trend toward floral scents. The late 1960s saw a dominance of floral fragrances, including iconic releases like Chanel No. 19 (which also incorporated floral notes) and L'Air du Temps by Nina Ricci. Floral fragrances were seen as both elegant and accessible, making them a popular choice for both daytime and evening wear. Bridal Bouquet’s fresh, romantic, and clean qualities would have placed it in harmony with the broader floral trend, but its specific focus on the "bridal" theme gave it a unique emotional appeal, distinguishing it from other perfumes.

Ultimately, Bridal Bouquet would have appealed to women of the 1960s who desired a fragrance that was fresh, feminine, and sophisticated—qualities that spoke to the ideals of beauty and grace celebrated in both weddings and perfume.

Fragrance Composition:

So what did it smell like? It is classified as a classic white floral fragrance for women.

• Top notes: aldehydes, Calabrian bergamot, Hungarian angelica seed 
• Middle notes: Grasse jasmine, Grasse rose, Alpine lily of the valley, Zanzibar clove bud oil
• Base notes: Tyrolean oakmoss, Mysore sandalwood, Tibetan musk, ambergris, Haitian vetiver, Indonesian patchouli

Scent Profile:

 Bridal Bouquet by Dana opens with a delicate yet distinct blend of top notes that set the stage for its classic white floral composition. The aldehydes are the first to greet the senses, offering a bright, sparkling effervescence that feels like a breath of fresh air. They are crisp, clean, and almost soapy in their purity, giving the fragrance a light, airy quality that is both uplifting and elegant. This aldehydic opening has a refined, almost vintage feel, reminiscent of early 20th-century perfumes, evoking the soft, powdery essence of a bygone era.

As the aldehydes begin to settle, the vibrant Calabrian bergamot makes its presence known. Sourced from the southern coast of Italy, Calabrian bergamot is renowned for its exquisite balance of fresh citrus brightness and subtly floral undertones. The oil exudes an intensely fresh, tangy aroma that feels simultaneously zesty and calming, with a smooth, slightly sweet edge that softens the sharpness of other citrus fruits. This particular bergamot is especially prized for its complexity, making it one of the finest citrus oils used in perfumery. The characteristic citrus scent of Calabrian bergamot feels like the sun-kissed air of the Mediterranean, adding a moment of brightness to the opening of Bridal Bouquet.

Next, Hungarian angelica seed enters the composition with its herbal, slightly spicy scent. The angelica seed has an earthy quality, with a faint hint of anise and a green, almost mossy warmth. It adds a grounded, somewhat mysterious depth to the top notes, a subtle contrast to the sparkle of the aldehydes and bergamot. Angelica’s history as a medicinal and aromatic plant lends it an ancient and calming character, adding complexity to the freshness of the perfume and acting as a bridge between the light, airy florals that follow.

As the fragrance evolves, the heart of Bridal Bouquet begins to unfold with the sumptuous blend of Grasse jasmine and Grasse rose, two of the most iconic flowers in perfumery. Grasse jasmine, known as the "queen of flowers," is cultivated in the renowned region of Grasse, France. Its scent is deep, rich, and intoxicating, with layers of sweet, indolic floralcy. The jasmine in Bridal Bouquet carries a creamy, heady presence, evoking the warmth of a summer evening when the air is thick with blooming jasmine. The flower’s scent is at once sweet and seductive, while also bright and airy, enveloping the wearer in a cloud of refined elegance.

The Grasse rose, another jewel from the famed region, adds a soft, dewy richness to the heart of the fragrance. Its petals have a delicate sweetness with a subtle green undertone, making it both elegant and timeless. The rose in Bridal Bouquet is light and fresh, not overpowering but rather a gentle, nurturing presence, like the smell of freshly cut roses in a garden. It evokes romance and femininity, providing a classic touch that balances the more potent florals of jasmine and lily of the valley.

The Alpine lily of the valley adds a pure, dewy clarity to the bouquet. Native to the cool, mountainous regions of Europe, this flower's fragrance is crisp and green with delicate, bell-shaped blooms that whisper of innocence and purity. The lily of the valley in Bridal Bouquet brings a fresh, almost aquatic transparency to the composition, lightening the floral heart with its clean, soft aroma. It evokes the image of a springtime meadow, where the air is clear and the ground is still damp from morning dew. Its crispness blends beautifully with the other florals, enhancing the fragrance’s overall freshness.

Finally, a hint of Zanzibar clove bud oil emerges, providing a subtle but distinctive spicy warmth. Clove is a powerful note, often associated with warmth and richness, and its presence in Bridal Bouquet is grounding. From the island of Zanzibar off the coast of East Africa, clove oil adds a touch of exoticism and depth, offering a warm, slightly peppery nuance that contrasts with the cool, floral heart of the fragrance. This note lingers softly, infusing the scent with a quiet complexity that invites further exploration.

As the perfume dries down, the base notes begin to surface, revealing a depth that balances the lightness of the florals with a comforting warmth. Tyrolean oakmoss brings a rich, earthy undertone that is both woody and slightly leathery. Oakmoss is one of the most iconic ingredients in classic perfumery, lending a touch of mossy, forest-like depth. The Tyrolean variety, grown in the alpine region of Austria, is particularly prized for its complex, robust scent, with subtle hints of wet earth and green bark that evoke the feeling of a dense, shaded forest. Its depth anchors the fragrance, giving it a lasting presence.

Mysore sandalwood, long considered one of the finest varieties of sandalwood, contributes a creamy, soft, and woody warmth to the base. Known for its rich, smooth texture, Mysore sandalwood has a luxurious, almost velvety scent that makes it a perfect base for this fragrance. It brings a soothing, tranquil element to Bridal Bouquet, with its warm, earthy quality adding a sense of timelessness and peace.

Tibetan musk imparts a soft, animalic warmth to the fragrance. It has a slightly woody, musky scent that feels intimate and sensual, enveloping the wearer in a comforting embrace. This particular musk, sourced from the Tibetan region, has a more delicate, refined character compared to other musks, with an almost powdery smoothness that enhances the fragrance’s overall softness. Ambergris, that prized and rare ingredient found in the deep oceans, adds an animalic, marine depth to the fragrance. Its scent is rich and warm, with sweet, salty undertones that lend a sophisticated, complex quality to the base. Ambergris brings longevity to the fragrance, allowing it to linger beautifully on the skin, leaving an elegant, soft trail.

Haitian vetiver and Indonesian patchouli provide earthy, woody elements to the base. Haitian vetiver is known for its dry, smoky, and slightly spicy aroma, grounding the fragrance with a sense of natural ruggedness, while Indonesian patchouli adds a dark, slightly sweet herbal quality with earthy and woody undertones. These two ingredients complement each other perfectly, with the vetiver offering a smoky depth and the patchouli enhancing the overall earthiness of the composition.

Finally, Siamese benzoin, Maltese labdanum, and Atlas cedar add a resinous, balsamic sweetness to the fragrance, rounding out the base with warmth and complexity. Benzoin’s rich, vanilla-like sweetness blends beautifully with the smoky labdanum and the dry, woody character of the cedar, creating a luxurious and comforting finish to the fragrance.

Together, the ingredients in Bridal Bouquet create a timeless, elegant scent that speaks of purity, romance, and a touch of exoticism. Each note, from the sparkling aldehydes to the creamy sandalwood, contributes to a delicate, layered composition that resonates with sophistication and grace. It is a fragrance that feels like a bouquet of freshly cut flowers wrapped in the warmth of a loving embrace, perfect for a bride or anyone seeking the romantic aura of classic femininity.

Product Line:

Bridal Bouquet by Dana was offered in several distinct forms, each tailored to different preferences and occasions, enhancing its appeal to a wide range of women.

Cue, 1971:

"Dana's way to win and hold him is a new Bridal Bouquet, delightfully packaged, in umpteen forms including two dozen perfumed sachettes."

 

The Deseret News - May 23, 1973:

"Dana's luxurious floral fragrance, Bridal Bouquet, created to let a woman feel like a bride all her life. A delightful scent every woman will want to wear before her special wedding day as well as long after. And bridal bouquet comes in so many enchanting selections.  Cologne Spray $5, Perfume Mist $7.50, Cologne $6, Dusting Powder $4, Perfume Sachettes $3.50."

Vogue - Volume 163, 1974:

"Your scent: "Bridal Bouquet" by Dana, the fragrance designed to make every day as special as your wedding day. Perfume 1/2 oz., $15.00 Perfume mist, $7.50 Eau de Cologne, $6.00 Spray Cologne, $5.00 Perfumed powder cake, $4.00."

 

The 1/2 oz Perfume was likely the most concentrated form of the fragrance, ideal for those who desired the fullest, most luxurious experience of Bridal Bouquet. As pure perfume, it would have been rich and long-lasting, requiring only a small dab to provide a lasting scent throughout the day or evening. This form would have appealed to those who cherished the ritual of wearing perfume in its most intense form—applying it sparingly to pulse points for a delicate but lasting trail of fragrance. The small size made it an elegant, portable choice for women who wanted to carry a bit of luxury with them, whether for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

For those who preferred a lighter, more versatile version, the 1.5 oz Perfume Mist offered a refreshing alternative. A perfume mist would have been perfect for a more subtle application, allowing women to lightly spray the fragrance over their skin or clothing for a soft, enveloping scent. The mist would have made the fragrance feel airy and delicate, perfectly aligning with the youthful and elegant qualities that Bridal Bouquet embodied. It would have been ideal for casual wear or to refresh the senses throughout the day, especially in warmer weather or as a post-shower fragrance.

The 3 oz Spray Cologne was another option, presenting a more accessible, everyday version of the fragrance. Cologne tends to have a lighter concentration of fragrance oils compared to perfume, making it a good choice for those who preferred a less intense scent or for daily wear. The spray format offered convenience and ease of use, allowing women to quickly spritz themselves with Bridal Bouquet before heading out, enveloping them in a soft floral aura. This form would have been a more casual, yet still refined, option for women who appreciated the scent but wanted something that wasn’t as concentrated or heavy as perfume.

Soap, Cosmetics, Chemical Specialties, Volume 48, 1972:

 "Bridal Bouquet", the first fragrance introduced by Dana Perfumes Corp., New York, for the women's market in 10 years is being offered in an aerosol package equipped with a mechanical breakup actuator and valve supplied by the aerosol division, Risdon Mfg Co, Naugatuck, NY."

For a luxurious, full-body experience, Dusting Powder was a beautiful accompaniment to the fragrance. Dusting powders were a popular way to add fragrance to the skin while also softening and soothing it, leaving a silky texture behind. The soft, powdery texture of the dusting powder would have been an elegant way to add a delicate touch of Bridal Bouquet to the skin, providing a light veil of fragrance that lingered subtly. It was perfect for women who wanted to feel pampered from head to toe, enhancing the fragrance experience with a smooth, refined finish.

The Perfumed Sachettes were a charming and practical way to keep the scent of Bridal Bouquet close at hand. Sachets are typically small, scented pouches filled with fragrant materials, and they could be tucked away in drawers, closets, or suitcases to infuse clothes and linens with the fresh, floral notes of the perfume. These sachets would have been particularly appreciated by women who wanted their wardrobes to carry the same delicate fragrance, adding an extra layer of luxury and femininity to their everyday lives.

Finally, the 4 oz Perfumed Powder Cakes were a slightly more decadent option, offering the dual benefits of fragrance and softening care. Powder cakes are typically used with a powder puff to apply a light dusting of powder to the skin. Like the dusting powder, these cakes would have left the skin feeling velvety smooth, but with the added benefit of a delicate floral fragrance. It was an indulgent, pampering form of Bridal Bouquet that would have been particularly favored by those who enjoyed a more old-fashioned, luxurious beauty routine—perhaps during an evening ritual or as part of special preparations for a significant occasion.

Each of these forms of Bridal Bouquet allowed women to engage with the fragrance in their preferred way, whether they sought the concentrated elegance of perfume, the airy freshness of a mist, or the soothing touch of powder and sachets. These offerings made Bridal Bouquet versatile and accessible, allowing women to experience the timeless beauty of the fragrance in a way that suited their lifestyle and preferences.

 

Fate of the Fragrance:

Bridal Bouquet was discontinued, probably sometime in the 1980s.