I love big events. I love the drama, the dressing-up, the excitement. If there aren’t any sufficiently big events happening, I will invent some, so that I can wear my gowns. Or order new ones. But chatting to people at the Estonian Independence Day reception last week, I realised that for some people, preparing for things like that isn’t much fun. I have therefore gathered a number of tips based on my personal experience, to hopefully make it less painful. Some or all of these might seem obvious to you, but I had to learn them all the hard way at some point.

1. Wear what you like. I’m not saying you should pay no attention to etiquette whatsoever, just that you should wear something that you truly like and are mentally comfortable in. There will be people (there always are) who will hate what you wear, no matter what you put on. Much better then to be at least wearing something you yourself think is fabulous. Note that I don’t say you should be physically comfortable – while that is preferable in most situations, I own several things that are somewhat demanding to wear, but I love them anyway. Do you.

1. But don’t wear tights. I’m generally a very pro-tights person, but if you are wearing a long dress, I actually recommend not wearing any. This will automatically and drastically reduce the risk of static. If you want or need to wear tights, try them on with your outfit to make sure the seams don’t show and no unwanted lumps appear. If open sandals, short hemlines or slits are involved, go as sheer as you can and avoid any reinforced areas.

3. Pay attention to underwear. This is especially important if you are wearing something tight or see-through: I almost always am. I find nude underwear the best option in many cases, but it obviously depends on the clothes. The panties should be seamless (I like Calvin Klein) and the bra extremely well-fitting and smooth (no lace!) – this may not be relevant for all your fancy outfits, but you can reuse this set as it avoids all potential issues. And always, always go to fittings in the bra you’re planning to wear for the event.

4. Trust the professionals, but do your research. If it’s a really big event with photo and video cameras, I recommend having your make-up and hair done professionally. I’m pretty good at doing my own, but there are specific considerations in these situations, so I ask for help. But make absolutely sure you pick someone whose style you like: if you are hoping for a Cate Blanchett look and they are used to doing a Kardashian, it will not end well. Never hesitate to take a lipstick or eye shadow with you, if you know that this is the colour you want – even the best MUAs don’t have everything. And book early.

5. Expand your make-up arsenal. If you decide to do your make-up yourself, this is the time to use something that keeps the stuff on your face. I don’t use a primer most of the time, as I’m a lazy person, but a good one is useful for events where you need to look presentable for a long time. Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is great (make sure the SPF doesn’t cause flashback) or try Urban Decay’s setting spray instead. Another product I hardly ever use is powder, but if it’s going to be a long night with lots of photos taken, I’ll make an exception and powder at least my T-zone. It’s also useful to have a beautiful mirror for occasional check-ups, so a powder compact is a smart thing to take with you.

6. Use three times the amount of hairspray you think you need. I don’t use hairspray 99% of the time. And then comes the event of the year and it becomes indispensable. Nothing else will keep your hair in place as well as good old hairspray, even if you’re going for a relaxed look. You don’t have to spend big either, a small can of Elnett will serve you beautifully.

7. Don’t forget your body. If any amount of skin is going to be on show, I suggest using copious amounts of body lotion. I like the ones with extra action – a slight tint and glow. It can look rather silly when your face is absolute perfection, but chest, arms or legs look dry and bluish. I use This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle, also on other parts of the body.

8. Buy a very unglamorous bottle of antistatic spray. Especially if it’s winter, do not forget this. The first rule of special occasion clothes is that they will cling. Even if everything looked perfectly fine in the fittings, on the day the fabric will cling to your legs like a frightened puppy. So have a bottle of antistatic ready. You might also need it for your hair, especially if you haven’t used hairspray (see above).

9. Wear pure parfum. I don’t think you need to keep your special perfumes to special occasions, but there is one specific category that is well suited for big events – parfum (as opposed to Eau de Toilette and Eau de Parfum) in a dabber bottle. Chances are, you’d want to wear something beautiful and interesting, but there will be lots of people, possibly sitting very close to each other. Parfums are special and rich, but dabbing keeps them close to skin. I would never recommend it in EDP concentration, but try Chanel Coco Noir – the bottle is exquisite as well.

10. Be careful with facials. A facial before a big event is obviously not necessary, but if you want to have one, I would go for a serious treatment (extractions, etc) about a week ahead of the big day and a pampering/hydrating facial at least one day before. You never know what you may react to. Manicures and pedicures are always nice as well, but my first recommendation would be to have your brows done by someone who knows what she’s doing. It’ll give your face structure (your face may not need it, but mine definitely does) and make-up will look much better as well.

11. Alternatively, do your own ‘facial’. If no professional facial is forthcoming, you can do something similar yourself – if you know the products well, you don’t need to be too careful either. The day before, use a purifying, exfoliating mask and then a hydrating/nourishing one afterwards. Before sleep, put on whichever product gives you the best skin in the morning – Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial, for example. Before the event, cleanse thoroughly (I use the mix of Sunday Riley Good Genes and Ceramic Slip for a mini-facial) and maybe add something extra to your daily routine. I chose Ren Beauty Shot this time and it seemed to work.

12. Get some sleep.

13. Don’t have back pain. This is my top tip – seriously, try not to be injured or ill. In case you have still gone and hurt your back before the Big Day and cannot stand straight, bend over or move with any grace – much less to perform these things in 4-inch heels – make sure you have enough drugs.

PS I’m sure you know that I will support you all the way if you decide to go in jeans and with a bare face. The above is only IN CASE you happen you feel differently.