So you don't want an off-the-rack prom dress. Here are four tailors who can make your dress dreams come true.

LINDA TAY TAILORING
05-80 Far East Plaza, tel: 6737-6038/9451-0606

Party dresses and frocks are the specialty of owner Linda Tay, who set up the shop in 1985. She will work with students to pick out dress designs and materials within their budget.

How much: Prices start from $200, excluding material. The average total cost is $250.

How long: Pay between $40 and $50 more for a one-week express tailoring. Dresses are usually completed within two weeks.

MAY CREATION
04-11 Far East Shopping Centre, tel: 6734-5008/9297-6752

Owner May Pang, who has been in business for 16 years, knows what good service is all about. If you prefer to source for your own fabric, she will offer recommendations or even go shopping with you.

How much: Prices start from $130, including fabric. Prom dresses on average cost between $150 and $200.

How long: If her schedule permits, Pang will not charge extra for an express job, which can be done within three days. Otherwise, a dress will take about a week to complete.

ARTIRIS
01-94 Far East Plaza and 02-11 Ang Mo Kio Hub, tel: 9747-9887

This six-year-old shop excels in making taffeta and organza pieces for princess wannabes. Call ahead to make an appointment with owner Emerald Seah, as she splits her time between her two shops.

How much: Prices range from $200 to $600, including fabric, with $250 to $300 as the average price per dress.

How long: Pay at least $50 extra if you want a dress within five days. During peak prom season, Seah typically takes between four and six weeks to make a dress.

ROY'S MASTER TAILORING
03-21 Holland Shopping Centre, tel: 6467-9285

You can either get a prom dress designed for you or show owner Roy Sabnani pictures of your desired design.

How much: Prices start from $200, including fabric. On average, a prom dress costs between $250 and $300.

How long: Give the tailors at this 15-year-old shop about 10 days to make a dress. No express service.

Note: All prices refer to those for prom dresses only and include a fitting.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Nov 14, 2008.