Meet the owner
Fitzpatrick tied the knot herself only two months before opening Amour Bridal in July 2015. Though she didn’t have connections with any professionals in the bridal fashion industry, Fitzpatrick had always wanted to start a business. It was her own frustrations during dress shopping appointments that inspired her to open a business in the wedding industry, as she aimed to fill the gaps she noticed while trying to find her perfect fit.
She had trouble finding bridal stores that weren't located in Austin, so she settled on Cedar Park as her ideal location due to its proximity to the city and growing population.
“It was cool to be a bride because I had a unique perspective,” Fitzpatrick said. “I knew what brides are looking for. I was able to experience other stores and said to myself, ‘Okay, what can I do better?’”
Fitzpatrick took note of things like hospitality, store operations and the pressure that many brides feel when trying to settle on a dream dress.
“I felt pressured at a lot of places,” Fitzpatrick said. “You know, just making sure brides know that this is their decision. We're not here to pressure. We want to help you find the perfect dress.”
The takeaway
Fitzpatrick implemented policies that would enhance the shopping experience based on her interactions as a customer.
Amour Bridal offers complementary mimosas to each guest over 21 and also has juice as a non-alcoholic beverage. Fitzpatrick noticed that many stores were juggling multiple clients at once. In her store, she said she values one-on-one interaction and getting to know the bride. Her favorite part is hearing the engagement stories and wedding planning details.
“I also love [helping] women feel beautiful,” Fitzpatrick said. “I know so many women struggle with insecurities and image issues... I just love when they leave being like, ‘Wow, it was so much better than I thought it was going to be.’”
Fitzpatrick said that along with connecting with brides, she loves supporting her staff. She admires the care that her staff provides to brides, as well as their investment in the business.
“Not everyone is going to love my business like I do,” Fitzpatrick said. “Not everyone sees it from a business owner's perspective. I'm the business owner, I want every bride to have the best experience possible. That doesn't necessarily mean that employees are going to feel that way, but I feel like they do. So I'm just really proud that I'm able to have a staff that values that.”
What they offer
The bridal store carries dresses from nine different designers including Justin Alexander, Lillian West and Sophia Tolli. Amour Bridal currently houses around 250 wedding dresses, including ceremony, reception and elopement options. Prices range from $199 for a discounted dress from the rack to $2,500 for special order dresses.
In addition to bridal options, the boutique has tux rentals, bridesmaid dress options, flower girl dresses and accessories.
What's new
Amour Bridal’s staff goes to markets around the country every six months to meet new designers, attend fashion shows and bring in dresses that match the needs of their clients. Fitzpatrick and other staff said the most popular trends right now are basque-waist dresses, off the shoulder straps, square and straight necklines, beading and chantilly lace.
One more thing
Fitzpatrick recommends that clients start looking for their dream dress a year or more in advance in order to have the most options available.
“We can work with all lead times,” Fitzpatrick said. “We've got off-the-rack dresses. Our designers do keep some stuff in stock. It's just to have the most options, leave yourself more time than you think you need.”
- 601 E. Whitestone Blvd., Ste. 408, Cedar Park
- www.amourbridaltexas.com
