8 Strict Met Gala Rules: How Much Does It Cost for Stars to Attend the Met Gala?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City holds the annual Met Gala attended by several A-listers. The gala is one of the biggest nights in fashion and photographers and journalists are given access to stand outside the steps of the invite-only event.

What remains mysterious about the event, which many online users ask each year is, what happens at the Met Gala? The party is highly exclusive and very secretive because it comes with rules, which discourage attendees from disclosing what happens in the elaborate and star-studded affair.

The museum itself also has guidelines that visitors have to review and adhere to before and during the visit. The Met can refuse or revoke an invite to its premises if any visitor goes against the guidelines.

Some of the guidelines stipulate what one can bring into the Met, if they can take photographs, what they should know before they enter the building, how they can protect the art, and how to make their visit safe for everyone.

The guidelines for attending the Met Gala are surprising and different from those for visiting the museum. Read on to understand the rules that must be followed inside the exclusive event and to find out the guidelines some celebrities such as Lizzo and Celine Dion broke while at the Met Gala.

No Selfies

Attendees of the Met Gala are not allowed to use their phones inside the event. This rule was made stricter in 2015 when all invited celebrities received messages stating, “The use of phones for photography and social media will not be permitted inside the gala.”

If these rules are broken and photographs and videos are taken at the Met Gala, there is another guideline in place that restricts sharing them. The photographs and videos taken cannot be published, transferred, sold, distributed, reproduced, or even commercially exploited in any way.

Nepalese-American fashion designer Prabal Rana Gurung broke this rule when he took a selfie with Celine Dion and another celebrity. Prabal also shot a video of Celine singing as other celebrities cheered her on. The short clip showed the interior of the Met Gala, including its artistic windows.

Lizzo also shot a video in the Met bathrooms and shared it on TikTok. The singer, who was in a gorgeous bodycon dress showcasing her curves, was seen dancing with other celebrities to Laila!’s “Like That! Sped Up.”

Other celebrities have been cautious enough to only take their pictures while on a bus ride to the Met Gala. For instance, Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve shared a picture of herself and others on their way to the Met Gala captioned, “Coming! Look for sprinter.”

You Have to Meet an Age Requirement

One has to be 18 and older to attend the Met Gala. However, for those below this age who wish to visit the museum, children under 12 must always be accompanied by an adult. As for the Met Gala, exceptions can be made for those under 18 as long as they are accompanied by a parent.

In 2018, model and dancer Maddie Ziegler was sad that she wouldn’t be gracing the Met Gala red carpet because she was only 15. Celebrities such as Willow Smith, who was only 17 at the time, were allowed to attend as long as they were accompanied by a parent. This allowance could be made has Willow had attended the exclusive event in the past.

Before the age limit was put in 2018, celebrities such as Lily-Rose Depp attended the Met Gala at 16 in 2016. The teenage model stunned on the red carpet in a tweed gown from the luxury brand, Chanel, adding a touch of glamour with an oversized bomber jacket. Lily posed next to other mega stars, glowing despite her age.

In 2018, Lily-Rose Depp, who was 17, effortlessly caught everyone’s attention. At the stylish event, the young star opted for timeless elegance, donning a hot pink Chanel dress adorned with sparkling flowers. The daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis posed with other models such as Cara Delevigne and Jemima Kirke

After the 18 and older rule was placed, Kim broke it when she allowed her daughter, North West, to accompany her to the Met Gala. Although North couldn’t join her on the red carpet since she was under 18, she still managed to create her own stylish moment.

Prior to the event, North West showcased her chic fashion sense in a white jacket and top paired with distressed, oversized jeans and black boots. Online users speculated that North was allowed into the Met Gala despite being under 18, because Anna Wintour, the coordinator of the event since 1995, has known her since she was born.

As for the outfits, Kim Kardashian went for a Schiaparelli gown adorned with 50,000 freshwater pearls A snug corset accentuated her waist, complemented by a white floor-length shawl, coordinating heels, and a chandelier choker necklace.

Certain Foods Are Banned

Some foods are prohibited from being served at the Met Gala. According to a former Vogue employee Anna, the host of the Met Gala, banned parsley from being served at the party, citing concerns about it getting stuck in guests’ teeth.

Similar restrictions applied to onion and garlic due to concerns about bad breath, as well as appetizers like bruschetta, which could easily fall on gowns, according to the source.

Sean Driscoll, owner of Glorious Food and the caterer for every Met Gala has become skilled at accommodating the evening’s super-svelte, A-list attendees. Sean noted that it is common knowledge that Stella McCartney is a vegan, so, his company ensures there is vegan food available for her table.

Celebrities Pay Staggering Prices to Attend

Celebrities do pay ridiculously high amounts to attend the Met Gala. However, they first have to secure an invite. Securing an invitation to the Met Gala is far from guaranteed. Annually, Anna personally curates the guest list, determining who receives an invitation and who is placed on the waitlist.

Unlike many philanthropic galas, where admission is often contingent on a substantial donation, access to the Met Gala is determined by a myriad of factors known primarily to Anna. These factors span from recent accomplishments to cultural influence, making the criteria for attendance a closely guarded secret.

If you’re fortunate enough to receive approval from Anna and are offered an invitation, there’s still the matter of covering the entry fee. In 2024, an individual ticket carried a price tag of $75,000, marking a 30% increase from 2023’s $50,000.

Meanwhile, tables, often purchased by corporations, design houses, or brands, begin at $350,000. However, those who purchase a table do not have the privilege of selecting their guests.

Still, celebrities typically do not purchase their own tickets for the event; instead, they often attend as guests of brands or designers who have secured tables. Invited by a designer, a celebrity is outfitted by the brand and frequently accompanies the designer on the red carpet.

Amy Odell, the author of “Anna: The Biography” emphasized that while the event’s cost contributes to the Met Gala’s aura of exclusivity, Anna’s dedication to fundraising remains essential for the Costume Institute’s sustainability.

As the only self-funded department at the Met, last year’s gala generated over $22 million in funds. Throughout her tenure overseeing the gala, Anna has raised over $223.5 million for the department.

No Smoking Is Allowed

For the safety and well-being of all attendees, the Met Gala strictly prohibits smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, inside the Museum premises or near the entrances. Despite this rule, some celebrities have been pictured disregarding it.

Fashion designer, Marc Jacobs, posted a photo on Instagram featuring himself, Char Defrancesco, Courtney Love, and another celebrity smoking in the girls’ room. Marc, who attended the 2017 Met Gala, was seen in the picture, having taken the selfie, alongside two other celebrities indulging in this prohibited habit.

There Is a Strict Seating Plan

All seating arrangements at the Met Gala must receive Anna’s approval. However, Eaddy Kiernan, who helps Anna with organizing the event is responsible for coming up with the seating arrangements.

The seating arrangements are done yearly as Eaddy and her team have to meticulously consider the placement of tables in the dining room. They do this partly for aesthetic purposes such as the decor at the Met Gala, which changes annually.

Changes in decor necessitate adjustments to the overall seating positions. For instance, ensuring everyone has a clear view of the stage is a priority.

Eaddy explained that they begin with a seating document once the names are finalized in December. The actual seating chart is not completed until about a month before the event, allowing them to assess the room layout and the flow of the evening.

Throughout April, Eaddy and her team meticulously review the seating details at the Vogue office. Eaddy’s goal is to ensure guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience, fostering potentially valuable or surprising connections along the way.

“We really try to think very carefully about who’s sitting next to each other,” Eaddy disclosed. Eaddy further explained that their ideal pairing involves two individuals who they believe will hit it off immediately, even if they may not realize they share common interests.

With each guest, they carefully consider potential topics of conversation to ensure meaningful connections are fostered.

What Can’t Attendees Bring

At the Met Gala, certain items are prohibited within the building or at coat check to ensure the safety and security of all attendees. These include large bags, luggage, musical instruments, and oversized camera equipment, as well as glass containers, aerosol cans, and liquids other than water.

Additionally, items such as flags, banners, sporting goods, and recreational equipment are not permitted, along with marking materials, firearms, and hazardous materials.

Oversized strollers, selfie sticks, and tripods are also on the list of restricted items, as well as costumes and masks that cover the full face. Any other items that could pose a risk to the artwork or visitors are subject to the discretion of the Met security team.

The 2023 Met Gala celebrated the German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who died in 2019. Karl was also known for his luxurious Birman cat, Choupette. This cat lived an expensive life by the designer’s side, owning an iPad and flying private.

Choupette received an invite to the 2023 Met Gala but didn’t attend as pets and emotional support animals are not allowed in the Met.

However, on Choupette’s official Instagram account, he paid tribute to Karl and wrote that he preferred to stay home, at peace and cozy as much as he was moved to see a day dedicated to his late daddy.

You Can’t Attend the Event Barefoot

The Met Gala also has attire restrictions. It is a requirement for all attendees to wear shirts and shoes while inside the venue, aligning with the regulations enforced at the Met for health and safety reasons.

Additionally, costumes, including masks that cover the full face, are strictly prohibited at the Met Gala. However, celebrities such as Jared Leto have broken this rule as he showed up in a costume that covered his full face at the 2023 Met Gala.

The 2024 Met Gala combined the theme of the “Garden of Time” dress code and “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion.” Anna described the themes as wonderful and poetic but when it comes to dress codes, it could be several things.

The Vogue editor-in-chief feared that the theme was confusing to many, especially the combination of the two. She speculated before the event that most people would wear flowery outfits, and indeed they did.

As much as Anna had vowed not to confuse people with the chosen themes, she admitted that in 2024, she might have broken her cardinal rule. Still, celebrities who showed up at the Met Gala looked magnificent in the outfits they chose to match the 2024s, with most of them following the Met and Met Gala’s guidelines.