Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/162483
Gorgeous Gowns Set aside a time when all wedding talk is off limits hearts and what might be the most important thing to each person and value that," says Erica. "Wedding planning is important, but so is the relationship and continuing to go on dates and continuing to have fun." Whether you dress up and go out for a romantic dinner, head off on a weekend getaway or just enjoy each other's company over a quiet coffee, it's important to take a break from wedding planning. Set aside a time when all wedding talk is off limits, so that you can truly connect with one another without distractions. Beautiful Brides Isabelle's BRIDAL Please call to book an appointment Ask for Help With so many couples working full time on top of planning their own weddings, it's no wonder that stress can enter the picture so easily. Do-it-yourself elements in weddings may be all the rage, but they of course take more time on the part of the couple. Why not ease your burden wherever you can? Hire a wedding planner to take some or most of the load off you, or simply enlist the help of family, bridesmaids or anyone else who's willing and have them look after specific details like the flowers, music or transportation. Having just one or two fewer things to worry about can make an enormous difference in your anxiety levels. 220 West Esplanade North Vancouver 604-986-5200 www.isabellesbridal.com Just Relax Self-help columns prescribe everything from aerobics to yoga to combat stress, and the Millers agree that physical activity can be helpful. "Exercise is as much for the brain as it is for the body," says Shawn, but he does add a note of caution: "Someone who doesn't exercise often, and it isn't part of their routine, in the middle of planning their wedding, they're not going to pick up jogging." Instead, he and Erica encourage couples to use whatever tools for coping with stress they've used effectively in the past. Whether it relaxes you most to meditate, curl up with a book, spend an afternoon at the spa or just go for a brisk walk, make time to do it. And don't forget that an engagement is a busy time in any couple's life and it's natural to feel some strain. The important thing is not to let all the demands overwhelm you or cause you to lose sight of what your wedding is truly about: the two of you sharing the rest of your lives together. rw R E AL WE D D I N G S . CA p22-29_Real Advice.indd 29 29 4/24/12 2:51:15 PM