Weddingbee boards

I brought mine to a well-known local dress designer who does a lot of work on the pageant circuit, so I knew she would have lots of experience with structured gowns and delicate fabrics. I'm in Phoenix, but you may want to look up someone similar in your area. Perhaps give your local pageant office a call and see if they can recommend someone? (Maybe google "Miss Illinois USA" or Miss whatever-country to find the info.)

Another option is to do a local search on Etsy for dressmakers. You may find someone that way. 

I use a regular seamstress every time I have to get a dress altered, and I know she does wedding gowns as well, because I always see them in her shop. I would try and find a local seamstress, or go to that boutique and see if they'll do it for you. Is there a rule that you had to buy it there for them to alter it? I just made my alterations appointment at David's Bridal, where I bought my dress, but there were no questions about where I got my dress, so I think you'd be fine wherever you went. Good luck!

Tulips- i bought my dress from netbride and am having it altered by someone out in Skokie. if you don't mind travelling there, pm me and i'll send you her phone number. she's been great so far.

it was hard to price-shop for alterations, but she seems reasonable and i know a TON of people who have used her.