Traditional cookie cutter weddings are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Today's brides are looking for new, unique ways to make their weddings more meaningful - both to themselves and to those around them. We all want to make a difference - and now, brides are taking that to their weddings as well. Many brides are using their weddings as a chance to give back a little to those people and causes that are most important to them. Today, I want to concentrate on a cause that is very dear to me - Breast Cancer!

In Canada, 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her life time - 1 in 27 will die! In Manitoba along, 15 women are diagnosed each week and 4 die. The US is not doing any better - every three minutes in the US a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,000 woman lost their lives to the disease in 2006 alone! Each of those women where mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, wives, grandmothers and/or friends! That is why this cause has become so important to so many woman - and if you are one of them, here are some ideas that can be incorporated into your own wedding plans!

1. Donations in lieu of gifts - Already have everything you need? Consider asking guests to donate to the Breast Cancer charity of your choice in your name instead of bringing a gift! Normally, it is very poor etiquette to mention gifts in an invitation - but people will forgive you when it's for charity. Just include a insert letting them know that IF they wish to get you a gift, a donation to __________ would be most appreciated. Make sure to include the name and address you want them to use when they make the donation.

2. Donate Your Dress - Making Memories is a wonderful organization that runs Brides Against Breast Cancer. Brides can donate their gowns which are then sold and the funds raised are donated! They have shows around the US throughout the year, selling the gowns to prospective brides. If you would like to shop at an event, or donate a dress, you can find their website here.

3. Pink Envelope Project - Another options is to use your shower as a chance to raise money for your charity instead of for gifts. Making Memories also has a program called the Pink Envelope Project - you can sign up and then send these little pink envelopes in your invitations. Guests can then bring the envelopes back to the event with their donation inside. This is one very nice way to ask for donations instead of gifts as well.

4. Give A Favor That Give Back - consider giving out wedding favors in support of your charity. My favorite Breast Cancer charity has these cute magnet sets that would work. In the US, try the Cancer Society store where you will find pins, bookmarks, keychains, bracelets, magnets, teddybears, candles, and more. You can also find great items that would make wonderful bridesmaid or groomsmen gifts.

5. Buy a Wedding Dress - Okay, you're gonna be doing that anyway, I know. If you are still looking for a gown, stop in at a Making Memories sale, or check out Chrys Cross Bridal! Chrys Cross Bridal is donating 20% of each sale until the end of May!

Well, I hope those ideas got your thinking. With breast cancer cases increasing at a rate of 3% per year - we need to find a cure. You can be a part of that and add additional meaning to your special day.