1. Choose Dresses That They’ll Feel Great Wearing

While matching dresses are a wedding tradition, the gowns should also be comfortable and flattering. When shopping for bridesmaid dresses, consider letting your bridal party have some input, especially on styles that suit their body types. Another option is choosing a cohesive palette or fabric while giving your bridesmaids the remaining freedom to pick whichever designs they love.

2. Write Them Personal Notes

A heartfelt, handwritten note can go a long way in expressing your gratitude. Take a few moments to tell each bridesmaid why they mean so much to you. You can recall a cherished memory or simply thank them for their support. Either way, these notes are keepsakes your bridesmaids will always treasure.

3. Spoil Them With Thoughtful Gifts

Surprise your bridesmaids with something special! Jewelry that they can wear on the wedding day, luxurious robes for getting ready together, or a customized gift like a monogrammed tote or water bottle are all great options. These gifts not only show your appreciation but are also practical tokens they’ll cherish beyond the wedding. Make sure to buy gifts that aren’t labeled with things like “bride tribe” or “bridesmaid”; this makes them easier to use after the event.

4. Plan a Relaxing Treat

Wedding planning is hectic for everyone involved. Bring things down a notch by scheduling a spa evening, a movie night, or a casual brunch to relax and bond as a group. These small breaks from pre-wedding chaos can deepen your connection and show your appreciation for their efforts.

5. Be Transparent About Time and Costs

Your bridesmaids want to be there for you, but they still have to juggle other personal commitments and finances. Be upfront about what you expect in terms of travel, time off, and costs. Remember to be extremely sensitive to everyone’s financial situation. If possible, pay for things like dresses, makeup, and accommodations yourself, or find affordable options for your bridesmaids.

6. Acknowledge Them During the Reception

Your wedding day is the perfect moment to publicly acknowledge your bridesmaids. You can either give a shout-out during your speech or add a heartfelt thank-you to the program. Just recognizing their effort will mean the world to them.

Make Your Bridesmaids Feel Truly Special

Your bridesmaids are standing next to you on one of the most memorable days of your life, so taking time to acknowledge their support is key. Whether it’s through meaningful gifts, thoughtful gestures, or a few kind words, these considerate things you can do for your bridesmaids will leave them feeling appreciated and loved.

Recommended: Ways To Stay Comfortable During the Wedding

The post Considerate Things You Can Do for Your Bridesmaids appeared first on Global Good Group.

Building Strong Relationships

Building strong relationships with donors is foundational to retention. You can nurture these connections not only via transactions but through genuine, personal interactions that extend beyond the event itself. Expressing gratitude sincerely and consistently, coupled with regular, meaningful communication, can turn a one-time contributor into a lifelong supporter. Fostering this kind of relationship requires attentiveness to the donor’s experience and interests, demonstrating how their contributions are making a tangible impact.

Enhancing the Donor Experience

Enhancing the donor experience goes a long way in ensuring that contributors feel valued and engaged. This involves meticulous planning and execution of fundraising events, ensuring they are not only memorable but also deeply resonant with the donors’ values and the organization’s mission. Soliciting and incorporating feedback is a crucial element, as it shows donors that their opinions matter and contributes to more impactful, engaging future events. An enjoyable and meaningful donor experience is instrumental in securing ongoing support.

Utilizing Technology

The role of technology in elevating donor retention is essential. In today’s digital age, leveraging technology streamlines the communication process, making it easier to keep in touch with donors and update them on the organization’s progress and future events. Tools and platforms that facilitate these interactions, such as social media and donor management systems, not only enhance the donor experience but also provide valuable data that can inform strategies to keep donors engaged and invested in the cause.

If you don’t have the desire or capability to fully host your fundraiser online, there are many advantages of hybrid fundraising events. Donors will appreciate the opportunity to connect in person, as well as the convenience of donating through digital platforms.

Ensuring Long-Term Success

Improving donor retention is critical to the long-term success of fundraising events and, by extension, the organization itself. By utilizing these ways to improve donor retention in fundraising events, event professionals can create a robust community of repeat donors. These strategies are more than just best practices; they are essential components of a comprehensive approach to fundraising that prioritizes the donor’s role in achieving the organization’s goals. Implementing these strategies requires effort and commitment but the payoff—in the form of sustained support and deeper engagement—is immeasurable.

Most of us can’t throw around money without thinking. Thankfully, many charities and shelters require other things besides money that are much easier to donate and still help a lot of people. Rather than a simple cash donation, here are some of the Items That Charities Really Need You To Donate

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1. Choose the Right Dress

Selecting your wedding dress is a monumental decision. It’s more than just what catches the eye; it’s about the feel, too. The major benefit of choosing a simple wedding dress is that you’ll stay comfy all day long.

Opt for breathable fabrics like chiffon or soft lace, and consider the cut. An A-line or empire waist silhouette offers freedom of movement compared to a mermaid style. Finally, ensure the fit is impeccable; too tight can be torturous, and too loose might not provide the right support.

2. Comfortable Footwear

When it comes to bridal footwear, don’t negotiate comfort. Fortunately, there’s a spectrum of options that are as elegant as they are easy on the feet. Flats can be a savior for the ceremony, and wedges or block heels can offer lift without strain. Think quality. Soft, genuine leather molds to your feet and can eliminate blisters.

3. Accessorize Wisely

Accessories are the finishing touch of your bridal ensemble. Choose pieces that dazzle while keeping you at ease. Hidden comfort insoles for your footwear can work wonders, and investing in supportive shapewear can enhance the fit of your dress while offering a sleek silhouette. Adjustable jewelry ensures you can fine-tune your sparkle throughout the day without pinching.

4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Wedding day jitters can sometimes make food and water the last things on your mind, but staying hydrated and nourished will keep your energy and mood elevated. Have a filling and easy breakfast, and keep water within reach during the day. Snacking on fruits, nuts, and small portions can prevent lightheadedness and ensure you’re steady through all the emotions and excitement of the day.

5. Create a Comfort Kit

Prepare a small self-care package that you or your maid of honor can keep handy. Include some comfy flip-flops for those moments of rest, a mild pain reliever in case of a headache, and a spare lipstick or tissues for touch-ups. It’s the little comforts that can make a big difference.

It’s your special day, and your comfort is a priority. By following these simple steps, you ensure that your wedding day is comfortable. A comfy bride is a confident and radiant bride, and with these tips, you’re well on your way to being just that.

A wedding should reflect you and your partner. There are unique ideas to surprise your wedding guests to give them memories they won’t soon forget. It’s a fun way to display the quirky and unusual things about yourselves as a couple. Check out our tips: Unique Ideas to Surprise Your Wedding Guests

The post The Comfy Bride: Ways To Stay Comfortable During the Wedding appeared first on Global Good Group.

Don’t Start Writing Them the Night Before

Procrastination can be a writer’s worst enemy, especially when articulating your feelings for a significant occasion. Begin brainstorming and jotting down ideas weeks, if not months, in advance. Giving yourself more time allows for deeper introspection and less stress as the big day approaches.

Tell Wonderful Anecdotes About Your Partner

Personal anecdotes add a touching and intimate element to your vows. You can recall wonderful moments you have shared together or when you felt immense pride or joy in your partner. Sharing these stories personalizes your vows and reminds you of the beautiful, shared history you’re celebrating and building upon.

Consider Incorporating Your Culture in Your Vows

Your heritage can play a significant role in shaping your relationship’s dynamic. Paying homage to cultural traditions within your vows is a powerful way to celebrate the origins that have contributed to who you are. One example is how those from Hawaii may follow the practice of exchanging wedding lei vows.

Discuss Your Future Together

Another good tip for creating your wedding vows is discussing your future. While you should recognize the path that’s led you to where you are, vows should also look ahead.

Talk about aspirations, shared dreams, and how you envision supporting one another. This forward-thinking approach grounds your promises in reality and fosters excitement about the shared life awaiting you.

Take Time To Revise Your Drafts

Your first draft won’t be perfect, so take the time to revise your vows. Refinement shows thoughtfulness and care in your word choice, ensuring clarity and profundity. Reading your drafts aloud to a trusted friend or family member can offer beneficial feedback and help you catch anything that might not sound quite right.

Your wedding vows should echo the feelings of your heart. Using these tips can help you create vows that will carry tremendous meaning and flourish over time.

Your wedding day is one of those beautiful milestones you’ll cherish forever—and while you bask in the love and joy of the occasion, you should be relaxed. However, many brides don’t plan for comfort. Check out some of our tips! Ways To Stay Comfortable During the Wedding

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Japan: Joyful Bells and Traditional Cuisine

In Japan, New Year’s celebrations are marked by the joyous ringing of temple bells. Known as “Joya no Kane,” this ritual involves the ringing of Buddhist temple bells 108 times, symbolizing the 108 human sins in Buddhist belief. Additionally, traditional New Year’s dishes like “osechi-ryori” are prepared, featuring a variety of symbolic foods believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.

Scotland: First-Footing and Hogmanay Revelry

In Scotland, the celebration of New Year’s, known as “Hogmanay,” is a grand affair. A unique tradition called “first-footing” involves the first person to enter a home after midnight bringing symbolic gifts such as coins, bread, and whisky to ensure good luck for the household. Hogmanay is marked by lively street parties, music, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Spain: Twelve Grapes for Twelve Chimes

In Spain, the New Year is welcomed with a delicious and symbolic tradition. As the clock strikes midnight in Puerta del Sol in Madrid, people across the country eat twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock. Each grape represents good luck for one month of the coming year, creating a fun and festive atmosphere.

South Africa: Jumping into the New Year

In certain parts of South Africa, the New Year is welcomed with a unique tradition known as “Hoopla.” People jump from elevated platforms, symbolizing their readiness to leap into the challenges and opportunities of the coming year. It’s a joyous and symbolic way to usher in the New Year with enthusiasm and courage.

Brazil: Offerings to Yemanjá, the Sea Goddess

On the beaches of Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with vibrant festivities. One of the most iconic traditions involves making offerings to Yemanjá, the goddess of the sea. Devotees dress in white and offer flowers, candles, and small boats to the ocean, seeking blessings for the upcoming year.

Russia: Ded Moroz and the New Year Tree

In Russia, the New Year is celebrated with the arrival of Ded Moroz, the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus. Families gather around the New Year tree, exchange gifts, and enjoy festive meals. The celebration continues into the night with fireworks and traditional folk performances.

Denmark: Smashing Plates for Good Luck

In Denmark, New Year’s Eve is marked by the amusing tradition of smashing dishes on the doorsteps of friends and family. The more broken pieces, the better, as it symbolizes the abundance of loyal friends. Additionally, climbing onto chairs and jumping off at midnight is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck in the coming year.

Greece: The Feast of Saint Basil and Pomegranate Smashing

In Greece, New Year’s Day coincides with the celebration of Saint Basil’s Day. Families cut the Vasilopita, a sweet bread containing a hidden coin. The person who finds the coin is said to have good luck for the year. Moreover, at the stroke of midnight, it’s customary to throw a pomegranate against the door to release its seeds, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Philippines: Round Shapes for Prosperity

In the Philippines, the New Year is welcomed with a superstition-rich celebration. Round shapes, symbolizing coins and prosperity, play a significant role. Families display 13 of anything that is round, such as 13 round fruits, 13 coins, 13 round objects, and so on. The number 13 is believed to be a lucky number, hence they call it “Lucky 13”. Families also gather for a festive midnight feast. Fireworks light up the sky, and making loud noises is believed to drive away evil spirits.

Ecuador: Burning Effigies for Cleansing

In Ecuador, New Year’s Eve is marked by a unique tradition known as “Año Viejo” (Old Year). Life-sized effigies, representing the past year, are crafted and filled with firecrackers. At midnight, these effigies are set ablaze in streets across the country, symbolizing the cleansing of the old year’s troubles and making way for a fresh start in the new year.

India: Diwali-Like Celebrations and Cultural Diversity

While India traditionally celebrates the New Year in accordance with its lunar calendar, the Western concept of New Year’s Eve has gained popularity in urban areas. Cities like Mumbai and Delhi embrace the festivities with grand parties, fireworks, and concerts, showcasing the country’s cultural diversity and its ability to seamlessly blend global traditions with local customs.

Global New Year traditions reflect the beauty of cultural diversity and the creativity with which societies welcome the promise of a new beginning. As we marvel at the various customs practiced around the world, it becomes clear that the universal desire for hope, prosperity, and joy unites us all. Each tradition is a thread contributing to the rich fabric of our shared human experience. May the coming year be an abundance of shared traditions and new beginnings for people around the world.

Make the upcoming New Year a meaningful holiday filled with kindness and making a difference! Check out our post on How Families Can Make a Difference This Holiday Season

The post Global New Year Traditions: Celebrations Around the World appeared first on Global Good Group.

If you’re preparing for a big event, you must know a few best practices for preventing potential hazards or accidents. Here are three tips to ensure guest safety during large events.

Establish Visible Security Measures

Mitigating risks during large events starts with understanding threats and implementing measures to deal with them. You should dedicate people to reporting suspicious individuals and removing any threats as soon as possible.

Ensuring the safety of guests and their property should be the top priority when creating a budget. Metal detectors, security guards, and cameras may cost money, but their presence alone helps to prevent criminal activities from occurring.

Provide Sanitization Equipment

One thing that people often overlook at large events is sanitation. Cleaning and disinfecting are essential when you’re around a lot of people, but it can be challenging without the proper facilities. Bathrooms, showers, and adequate water supplies can be hard to get in some locations.

Running water is one of the most significant things that can help people stay clean at your event. Providing essential sanitation equipment for your next outdoor event will ensure that guests have fun without exposing themselves to potential illness or disease.

Put an Evacuation Procedure in Place

Big events can be dangerous if you don’t prepare. Crowd surges, fires, and extreme weather can be fatal. Having a plan to deal with these threats can ensure that people can reach safety without things getting out of control.

There’s no telling what types of injuries can happen at an event. Officials should be ready to respond at a moment’s notice with first-aid procedures. You should also notify local care facilities that the event is happening so that they can prepare for an influx of patients should an incident occur.

Prepare for Anything and Be Flexible

Larger events can be difficult to keep safe. It’s impossible to predict everything that will happen, especially when there are a lot of people involved. So try to be as flexible in your planning as possible.

Using these tips to ensure guest safety during large events will minimize some of the more common risks. A flexible approach will allow you to deal with any potential issues ASAP so that everyone can enjoy the event.

The post 3 Tips To Ensure Guest Safety During Large Events appeared first on Global Good Group.

Where music meets art and fashion!

Innovative business executive and media personality Elevated Scott is taking his experience from producing events and developing web properties, MixTapeSeries.com and International-HipHop.com, and is re-launching his online radio network X101Jamz.com. X101Jamz.com originally went to air out of the BadBoy Studios (Daddys House) in Times Square, NY, but now a new partnership with Gallery 69 brings the network to the trendy TriBeCa neighborhood in lower Manhattan. Gallery 69 is home of Graffiti Art New York and the walls are graced by some of the pioneers of graffiti that include; LA2, Cope, Stay High, Tkid, Tracy 168, RD357, Lava, Daze, Sonic, Blade, Taki 183, Nic707 and countless other graffiti veterans. Steve Cornell, the owner of Gallery 69 has been in the art business for over 30 year and comes from a family of NYC art dealers. Steve is also a singer/song writer and grew up surrounded by music as his father was one of the top violinists in the world and his mother a concert pianist.

X101jamz flagship show will be Co-hosted by Elevated Scott & Steve Cornell and re-launching late July ‘13 at Gallery 69. The show will feature street artist interviews, health and wellness segments, lifestyle brand reviews, and celebrity interviews. X101jamz will also be supporting independent and major artists from all genres of music with our team of international DJ’s, and our content will be hosted 24/7 via the TUNEIN app.

Online radio streaming is gaining ground in the United States. According to Scarborough data, $46.76 million Americans used such services monthly in 2012, on average tuning in for 9 hours 46 minutes every week. eMarketer projects that nearly 54 percent of the entire U.S. population and as much as 67.4 percent of the U.S. internet users will have become online radio users by 2016. In 2013, online radio is expected to generate $827 million U.S. dollars in revenue. As listeners are reluctant to pay for radio content, funds will most likely have to be raised through advertising. In the United States, digital radio ad revenue amounted to $767 million U.S. dollars in 2012, which was less than five percent of total radio advertising revenue generated that year. Nevertheless, the figures are likely to grow in the near future, as the effectiveness of radio advertising increases.
TuneIn has had three rounds of funding worth $47 million dating back to 2010. TuneIn CEO John Donham says the new funding will allow the company to accelerate development of new technologies, with a focus on growing ad revenues, and support continued expansion. X101Jamz is going to be streaming 24/7 through the mobile app and will have various hosts around the world apart from the open format network with a strong focus on music, fashion, art and live events. “TuneIn is a true game changer for us, being one of just 70,000 stations worldwide within a database of 40 million monthly subscribers really positions us to have some rapid growth over the next 18-24 months as we fill up our programming schedule. There is clear evidence that consumers enjoy radio on an easy-to-use mobile app or web-based service so having X101Jamz syndicated in TUNEIN is a huge opportunity. Our partnership Gallery 69 will provide a great platform of content for the network and enable us to throw various events In addition to the live stream.”-Elevated Scott

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Holiday: the very word fills us with hope, expectation and excitement, so choosing the right one can be something of a minefield.
We all work hard for our money and so when it comes to investing it in time away, many of us are understandably somewhat reluctant to part with our cash.
Once content with a fortnight on an anonymous foreign beach, many of us now want something more from our time away than just baking on a sun-lounger in an anonymous, faceless resort.
Holidays should be all about experiencing something different; immersing ourselves in different cultures, trying out new activities, sampling other cuisines or just enjoying a new way of life. So it’s important to find a holiday that fits the bill.
A cheap week in Spain may not stretch the purse strings but it also won’t stretch your imagination, and your memories may start to fade faster than your tan.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next break, websites such as Top Travel Blogs can help to point you in the right direction. They are full of personal experiences, top travel tips and holiday ideas.
Reading fellow travellers’ first-hand accounts of a destination may help you to decide if somewhere is the right place for you. It can also help to transport you mentally to a chosen location even before you open a travel brochure or check out a website.
Firstly, it’s important to decide what you want from your time away – complete relaxation, sightseeing, adventure, or a mixture of the three.
Those in search of rest and relaxation should look towards the Indian Ocean to the tropical paradise of the Seychelles. Made up of 115 islands, the Seychelles offer powder soft sands, crystal clear waters and a little bit more.
For those in search of underwater exploration you’ll find this idyllic island chain has more than its fair share of coral reefs and a dazzling rainbow assortment of tropical fish to feast your goggled eyes upon.
With 50% of the land mass being dedicated conservation areas with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this archipelago is home to some rare and beautiful flora and fauna including the Coco de Mer, the largest seed in the world, the paradise fly catcher, and the jellyfish tree.
If you’re more into culture than beaches then there are plenty of destinations that fit the bill. China is one such place and a trip to Beijing is a once in a lifetime experience.
From climbing up The Great Wall to standing on Tiananmen Square, a stay in Beijing is an experience like no other. Other highlights include The Forbidden City, Summer Palace and if you have time a trip out of the city to see the Terracotta Warriors.
Or for those searching for a combination of relaxation, sightseeing and adventure, there is the option of twin-centre holidays. Destinations in East Africa are perfect for this. What better way to experience the travel holy grail than by enjoying a safari followed by a beach break?
Start your trip with an adventure packed safari to Kenya where you’ll have the opportunity to track ‘the big five’ (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) before heading to Mombasa to enjoy the golden sandy beaches and coral lined shores.
However you choose to spend your holiday, make sure you do your research first to avoid disappointment. Holidays are an investment, and should be an event that you will remember for many years to come.
Time away is important, especially with the increasingly hectic pace of our modern lives, so make sure you invest in a break that will invigorate the mind, body and spirit.

The post Hayes & Jarvis – Why 2013 is the year of the event holiday appeared first on Global Good Group.