Sending a thank-you note after an event to those who have been of assistance is crucial to the post-event planning phase. As event planners, we know we call upon many peers, colleagues, and volunteers to ensure our events are successful.

Below are thank you note guidelines, according to the 18th edition of Emily Post’s Etiquette: Manners for a New World:

• When writing thank-you notes, it’s most important to be prompt and sincere.
• Keep your notes short, using your own language, expressive punctuation (if you choose), and the recipient’s name, when applicable.
• Let your mode of communication match the action/scope and the level of significance of the task.
• Handwritten notes will always be more warm and tangible, conveying the extra time and care you spent to the recipient.•    On fold-over notes, you can begin writing above or below the fold, whichever allows room for your sentiment.
• Does it matter how you insert your card into your envelope? Not really, but tradition states to “insert the open, or unfolded, edge first.”
• If someone goes above and beyond the call of duty, compose a letter of commendation to his or her supervisor and send him or her a copy. When doing so, be sure to include specifics of where, when, why, and how the employee exceeded your expectations.

Paraphrased from USA Today and Emily Post’s “Etiquette: Manners for a New World.”

General Tipping Guidelines (based on U.S. customs)

• A tip and a "Thank you" go hand-in-hand.
• In most circumstances, tips should be: 15% or more of the service cost; $2 for the first effort, and a dollar for each additional attempt; and in special circumstances (holidays), 15% of the value of one instance of service.
• Take the overall situation into account and tip accordingly.
• Tip discretely.
• Restaurant and hotel workers depend on tips to augment their minimum wage; however, never tip out of guilt. Discuss with a manager if the service was not acceptable.

At Hotels

• Bell staff – Tip $1-$2 per bag, more if they are particularly heavy.
• Concierges – Their job is to help, so don’t feel obligated to tip on basic questions. However, if they have gone above and beyond, feel free to tip between $5-$50, depending on the task.
• Housekeeping staff – Consider tipping between $2-$5 per day and doing so each day to ensure the money goes to the appropriate staff member.

At Restaurants

• While a 15%-20% tip is now customary, its reasonable to not tip on tax.
• For most parties of six or more, an 18% service charge is added. You don’t need to leave additional tip unless you think the service warranted more.
• The 15%-20% tip also applies to bartenders and wine stewards.
• Additional staff (i.e. valet parkers, checkroom attendants, musicians, etc.) – a tip generally ranges between $2-$5 for these individuals. Tips are given when services are rendered.