Finding a seamstress?

This is a complicated thing b/c usually the best don't even have to advertise!

You don't need to take it to a chain, but I'd look on yelp for reviews. You want to find someone who actually specializes in wedding gowns/formalwear, b/c the fabric is very different from every day-- don't just take it to the dry cleaner tailor. Did the owner of the salon have any other suggestion/recommendation for you? If not, check around the bridal shops-- they may be able to recommend someone or be willing to do alterations on gowns purchased elsewhere.

I second checking yelp.com to see people's reviews of tailors in your city (or google reviews). That's how I found mine and it worked out great!

Yeah, the lady that I took my dress to, I had never even heard of. She just works off of references from the different dress shops in town. She only charged me $60 for my three-point bustle. I think that's about the right price.

I took mine to a local seamstress because most stores/chain wedding places won't let you alter a dress there that wasn't purchased there.

Just do your research, talk to people, and you should be good. I'm of course nervous about how my wedding gown will turn out, but truthfully, it should be fine regardless with how few alterations you need.

If the store doesn't have suggestions, talk to a local dry cleaner. Many have tailors on staff. Even if they don't have the expertise to do a wedding dress alteration, they likely know who does. Another place to ask around are stores like Brooks Brothers. They usually have tailors on site since their suits are not always off the rack and have to be finished to your size/preference.