About Me

The story behind the directory

Carley, founder of Bridesmaids Dresses Guide Carley

Hi, I'm Carley

I'm the founder of Bridesmaids Dresses Guide, and like many of you, I'm currently deep in wedding planning mode. My partner and I are getting married in September 2026 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and the experience of planning our celebration has been equal parts exciting and overwhelming.

When it came time to find bridesmaid dresses, I realized how scattered the options were online. There are so many amazing brands out there, from sustainable favorites to budget-friendly finds, but no single place that brought them all together with honest information about pricing, sizing, and style.

My Background

By day, I work at Etsy, where I get to be part of a company that champions independent sellers and unique finds. Before that, I founded a secondhand clothing startup, which gave me a deep appreciation for sustainable fashion and the impact our clothing choices can have.

That background in e-commerce, combined with my personal frustration during wedding planning, inspired me to create this directory. I wanted to build the resource I wished existed when I started searching for bridesmaid dresses.

Why This Directory

Every shop featured here has been personally researched and vetted. I prioritize brands that offer extended sizing, sustainable options, and transparent pricing. Whether you're looking for a $75 dress from Birdy Grey or a designer gown from Jenny Yoo, you'll find curated options that actually deliver on their promises.

This is a passion project built during evenings and weekends, fueled by too much coffee and a genuine desire to help other brides navigate this process more easily.