What happens inside the Met Gala is a mystery. Here are some of the rules celebrities must follow (2025)

The Met Gala captivates the eyes of the fashion world every single year -- but part of the awe of the night's festivities are not the big names walking the red carpet in outstanding outfits, but rather that that is all we see.

That's right -- the night is very hush-hush. Not much else aside from the fashionable entrances are made public, and apparently it is designed that way.

One of the main rules, that helps to keep the allure and mystery of the Met Gala alive is the fact that what happens inside is so secretive thanks to the no-phone rule -- and by extension no social media -- that all invitees must abide by, according to Vogue.com.

However, like all rules, there are exceptions. Apparently, celebrities have gotten around the no photos rule by...sneaking them in while socializing in the bathrooms!

Another rule that those invited to the night's event must abide by is that there is no smoking, this after numerous pictures surfaced of celebrities smoking in the bathroom during the according to various reports.

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Aside from smoking being banned, chives, onions and garlic are also not allowed, Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue and Met trustee, confirmed to TODAY. "Those are three things I'm not particularly fond of. And so yes. That's true," she said.

Additionally, there is an age limit rule as well that dictates those under 18 years old cannot attend, with an exception being those underage accompanied by their parents, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

And finally, the event is by invitation only. So if you were hoping to score a ticket, you are out of luck. I guess we will just watch the parade of outstanding outfits from the comfort of our couch!

The Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will take place on May 6 in New York.

What happens inside the Met Gala is a mystery. Here are some of the rules celebrities must follow (2025)

FAQs

What happens inside the Met Gala is a mystery. Here are some of the rules celebrities must follow? ›

Attendees aren't allowed to post on social media inside the Met Gala. And a no-phone policy inside the Met Gala means a no-social media policy from inside the event, either. However, when the stars convene in the bathroom, it appears all bets are off!

What are the rules guests must follow for the Met Gala? ›

Rules of the Met Gala
  • Attendees must pay for their Met Gala ticket. ...
  • You cannot post on social media from inside the Met Gala. ...
  • Your Met Gala look must be preapproved. ...
  • Certain foods are banned from the menu. ...
  • You must adhere to a carefully designed seating chart. ...
  • You can get banned from the Met Gala.
May 6, 2024

What is the Met Gala and what happens inside? ›

The Met Gala is popularly regarded as the world's most prestigious and glamorous fashion event. Fashion stars and models are able to express themselves by their fit according to the theme and social gathering and is known as "fashion's biggest night"; an invitation is highly sought after.

Which celebrity is banned from Met Gala? ›

Anna Wintour, chairperson of the Met Gala since 1995, has only ever declared one person banned from the prestigious fundraiser. That person is Donald Trump, who was reportedly banned back in 2017.

What is the Met Gala's purpose? ›

The gala in New York City raises funds for the Met's Costume Institute, which exhibits fashion across centuries and continents. Since it started in 1948, the Met Gala has delivered boundary-pushing fashion modeled by celebrities and cultural icons, from rock stars to activists.

Do invited guests pay for Met Gala? ›

Not just anyone can buy a ticket or a table to the event. Meanwhile, many celebrities don't pay full freight. Instead, a design house typically springs for a table and invites guests they wish to host, one attendee confirmed to CBS MoneyWatch. So for some particularly glittering guests, attendance is free.

Can you sit with your spouse at the Met Gala? ›

Strict seating arrangements

According to Ward Durrett, spouses are never seated next to each other. “The whole point of these things is to meet new people, and to be interested in what others are doing. What's the point if you come here to hang out with your husband?” she added.

How much does it cost to attend the Met gala? ›

Individual tickets for the MET Gala 2024 now command a staggering $75,000 (approximately Rs 62 lakhs), marking a significant increase from the $50,000 (approximately Rs 41 lakhs) price tag in 2023.

Why is the Met Gala so secretive? ›

One of the main rules, that helps to keep the allure and mystery of the Met Gala alive is the fact that what happens inside is so secretive thanks to the no-phone rule -- and by extension no social media -- that all invitees must abide by, according to Vogue.com.

Can anyone attend the Met gala? ›

Attendees have to be invited to the Met Gala

In order to attend the Met Gala, you must be invited (and just because you were invited once, that doesn't guarantee entry every year!).

Has Donald Trump ever attended the Met Gala? ›

Before he became president of the United States, New York real-estate magnate Donald Trump was a regular attendee of the Met Gala. The annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute features a high-profile guest list curated by Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour.

What is the Met Gala curse? ›

To put it simply, the theoretical Met Gala Curse claims that once a celebrity couple makes their red carpet debut at the highly coveted event, they end up calling it quits sometime after. We've seen it happen a couple of times throughout the years, which might have you wondering...

Which celebrity has never been invited to the Met Gala? ›

Over the years, some A-list stars surprisingly haven't been invited or have declined. Ryan Gosling, Dolly Parton, and Sam Smith have never walked the Met Gala red carpet.

What do they do inside the Met Gala? ›

What do celebrities do inside the Met Gala? In addition to a red carpet spectacle, guests can expect a cocktail hour and formal dinner.

Why is the Met Gala so expensive? ›

Since 1999, Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Condé Nast and the editor of Vogue, has worked to transform the gala into an immensely profitable commingling of celebrities, sponsors and brands. Ticket prices for the gala have increased steeply.

What are the rules of the MET? ›

Do not carry children or other guests on shoulders. Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in the Museum or near the entrances. Use of electrical outlets in the Museum is prohibited. For health and safety reasons, shirts and shoes are required.

Can a normal person attend Met Gala? ›

Attendees have to be invited to the Met Gala

In order to attend the Met Gala, you must be invited (and just because you were invited once, that doesn't guarantee entry every year!).

How is the Met Gala guest list decided? ›

Each year, Wintour decides who makes the guest list and who's relegated to the waitlist. While many philanthropic galas' only barrier to entry is a sizable donation, the criteria for the Met Gala depends on a variety of factors seemingly known only to Wintour, ranging from timely achievements to cultural clout.

What does it take to be invited to the Met Gala? ›

Even the guest list is carefully selected and includes a potent mix of celebrities, fashion designers, models, musicians, actors and other influential figures. Attendees are usually invited by the Costume Institute's curator in consultation along with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

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