Meet The Gala Co.
When you imagine your flawless event, what do you see?
Serving you and yours with every detail and all heart
The Gala Co. was built on a simple idea: your gala or signature event should feel as thoughtful behind the scenes as it looks in the spotlight. Whether you're planning a fundraiser or corporate event for 10 guests or 1,000 guests, we work with you to create an experience that exudes comfortable elegance and impeccable taste.
We step in as your planning partner to organize the moving pieces, navigate budgets, and communicate with vendors so you can move through the room with confidence and actually enjoy the night you've worked so hard to host. And on the day of your event, we step quietly into the background so you can focus on your guests - thanks to meticulous preparation and a planning process designed to feel calm, clear, and seamless.
Our experience and passion helps you plan the perfect event - worry free
Our goal is to genuinely support and develop your event's vision, create a stress-free planning process, and deliver an event you and your guests will remember for years to come.
Ready to relax and witness your event dreams come together seamlessly?
MEET YOUR PLANNER
Hi, I'm Elise!
I'm the lead planner and owner of The Gala Co. While I grew up in Michigan, I was born on the West Coast, and moved around a lot - seven times, actually - before we settled in Michigan, and it's where I now call home.
I started planning events in college, but my love for it began much earlier through planning Nutcracker Dinners with my mom when I was young. I loved putting up all the pretty decorations just right, laying out the food beautifully, choosing the perfect party dress, and then finally seeing it all come together. That joy eventually turned into a career rooted in both beauty and logistics.
When I graduated from college, I went the nonprofit route. But my heart was missing something, and I realized how deeply I loved the logistics of it all...
And that realization is what led to The Gala Co. Now I get to use my years of learning to help you plan your perfect event.
I have over 15 years experience in event management (both nonprofit and academic), and wedding planning. (Looking for wedding planning? Check out our sister company, The Aisle Agency.)
A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT ME...
I love anything vintage or shabby chic. I have two furbabies, Sydney and Rafe. I'll binge watch shows on Netflix or Amazon Prime, but lately it's been getting back to my love of reading! Thanks, #booktok!
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Flower: Sterling roses
Favorite Candy: Anything mint & chocolate!
Favorite part of the event: "The calm before the storm" - that moment when everything is set up and ready to go, but no guests are there yet. I always walk around and just revel in how everything came together.
Favorite quotes:
"Ruthlessly prepare for it, and flawlessly execute it" ~Joe LoCicero
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." ~Helen Keller
what people say
kind words
For the past several years, I've worked with Elise Luddy by providing speakers for a major event she's been heavily involved in the planning and production of. Elise is savvy, smart, a delight to work with, and always on top of things, all while creating a memorable experience for the attendees. I highly recommend utilizing Elise for planning any event, be it an intimate affair or a massive gathering.
Nancy Vogl
Elise goes to great lengths for her clients and I was so grateful to be one at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. At the time, my company's conference deliberately coincided with the festival so attendees could experience this great downtown event. Unfortunately, when I contacted her to book the tent they had historically rented, it was already sold. Since our CEO was adamant about having this premiere location; it left me in a terrible predicament. I explained this to Elise and she assured me she would find a solution. Elise worked to relocate another scheduled event so we could have the ideal location. It was fantastic and I so appreciated her efforts.
Jaclyn Lebert,CTSM,CTA
Elise is truly a "Jill of all trades", able to handle any situation with enthusiasm and a smile. During our time together at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, she organized a high profile fundraising dinner, diligently researched films (and licensing) for Top of the Park, deftly managed credentials for all festival employees, and stepped up to assist wherever and whenever she was needed. I would happily endorse Elise to anyone!