We ask local dress alterations specialist and bespoke accessories designer Heidi Ferrucci-Gray your questions

Q – We’re getting married next December, and I’m not sure when to have my dress alterations done or what to do with the leftover fabric. Do you have any suggestions?

A – "Most seamstresses are booked up quite far in advance, so I would always recommend you secure a booking as soon as possible. Discuss with the seamstress the type of alterations that you might need carried out. Having the length altered can be done a few weeks before the wedding but if you’ve bought a sample dress that needs resizing, be prepared that it could take up to eight weeks with numerous fittings.

"Excess fabric can be be used to tie around your bouquets, or if you have an amazing supplier, you could suggest they make an accessory such as a garter, hairpiece or a bridal sash."

To find out more about Heidi, visit www.facebook.com/mebo-bridal-100964694660913