Bride allergic to perfumes

heatherleavitt

Hi! I'm getting married in less than two months. My invites are sent and everyone is looking forward to the party. Unfortunately, I was quickly reminded today with a case of vertigo at the grocery store that I am allergic to most perfumes. I didn't think of it before because frankly, I don't usually put myself in situations where there are a lot of people indoors and wearing heavy perfume. 

My reception will be indoors and I am expecting about 200 guests. Most of which will not see my request on my wedding website not to wear perfumes. And I feel uncomfortable making the request, but how horrible will I feel if one of my bridesmaids has to tell everyone that I can't come join them because I'm passed out on the floor in the bathroom from all the 'fumes?

I take Rescue Remedy and that usually works at art openings and other small gatherings, but with all the hugging and contact I will have with those 'all dolled up' I'm a bit nervous.

What should I do?

Heather

nda_roxybabe

I don't see how it is a huge deal. Surely you have been places before that have a lot of people. Airplane, subway, mall, etc.
You really can't do anything. I suppose if your family and friends know you then they will know you don't react well to perfumes.

britne28

Can you spread the word through family and friends?  I have the same issue. I get headaches and my asthma kicks in.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

It is proper etiquette to not douse yourself in frangrence when you'll be sitting close to people, like at a theater or... wedding ceremony. I'm not sure HOW sensitive you are, but I think some of your guests might keep that in mind.

heatherleavitt

I will try that. It's those guests who don't know me well that won't think it is a big deal and wear perfumes anyway. But when vertigo turns into a panic attack, it can get strange. Thanks for understanding!

eastunder1

I would just spread the word best you can by word of mouth.  If people know you're allergic, surely they'll  be considerate and refrain.   If you have a wedding website, I think it would be fine to put it there as well.  This isn't just a dislike to perfume, its an allergy.  People won't be offended that you mention it.  At least, they shouldn't be.   Like you said, with all the hugging and whatnot, its a little different than just simply being around people who wear it. 

zippityb

Can you take a xanax or something beforehand to stop the panic attack? Have you talked to your doctor about this?

beatlesgirl25

Ditto PP's suggestions, and also can you maybe have your MOH or a family member remind you to take quick fresh air breaks every half hour or so? You'll be so busy you won't be able to keep track of the time, and I think stepping out periodically for a minute might be helpful.

heatherleavitt

All great ideas, thank you! The response has been very helpful. I feel better already.

Thanks! H

nda_roxybabe

I would say too if anyone comes wearing a ton of perfume somehow politely decline hugging them. Although now that I think about it I don't know how you would do that..."Aunt Bertha, I'm so sorry I can't hug you, your perfume is so strong it may make me pass out"  that would not sound good. Hopefully that wont come up

akhensley81

I have a TON of allergies and most of my reactions are pretty severe... I totally understand. I would spread the word through your family and friends, and get it started now!

If I am anywhere near - much less if I eat - any kind of nut (peanuts, cashews, pecans, etc), I will go into anaphylactic shock and I will likely die. You'd think people would remember that, but I still have to remind people all the time. I understand it's not anyone's problem other than my own, and I need to take care to protect myself. Don't assume your guests will "know" anything.

Good luck!!

AmoroAgain

Maybe you can check with your doctor to see if they can give you something for the day of.

thesuninherhead

I am very confused with how rescue remedy would aid with your apparent allergy. Rescue remedy has been demonstrated to have a placebo effect only. If your 'allergy' is honestly abated by it, I'm not sure that said allergy extends beyond the psychosomatic. 

 

In any case, I think that if you spread the word through your family and friends, most of them will lay off on the perfume.