Met Gala 2025 Rules: 5 Strange Yet Strict Regulations That Celebrities Must Follow
The Met Gala is not just a dazzling night of haute couture and star power—it’s an invitation-only event that follows a famously strict set of rules. From fashion etiquette to what’s served on the dinner menu, every detail is meticulously planned and enforced. And at the helm of it all is Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of Vogue and the long-time chair of the Met Gala.
Read This: Met Gala 2025: Celebrating Black Excellence Through Tailored Elegance
Why the Met Gala Is So Strict
Hosting one of the world’s most glamorous events isn’t easy, and Anna Wintour knows that better than anyone. She oversees everything—from seating arrangements and guest lists to the menu and decor. With every major fashion house and A-list celebrity in attendance, maintaining exclusivity, elegance, and structure is essential.
The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Tailored for You,” aligns with the Costume Institute’s new exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” This exhibit celebrates the rich heritage of Black Dandyism and the cultural power of sharp tailoring, putting the spotlight on the creativity and legacy of Black designers.
As fashion’s biggest night returns on May 6, 2025, here’s a closer look at five of the strangest and most surprising Met Gala rules that every celebrity guest is expected to follow.
1. No Smoking Allowed — Even in the Bathrooms
One of the Met Gala’s most strictly enforced rules is the complete ban on smoking inside the museum. Despite the event’s A-list guest list, no one is exempt. Smoking is prohibited not only to maintain decorum but also to protect the museum’s priceless exhibits and costumes from smoke damage and lingering odors.
However, this rule hasn’t always been respected. In 2017, several celebrities were caught smoking in the Met’s bathrooms, causing a public outcry. The incident even prompted a stern response from the New York Department of Health. Since then, security has been even more vigilant.
2. No Selfies or Social Media Posts Inside
Despite being a haven for photographers on the red carpet, once guests step inside, phones are supposed to be tucked away. The Met Gala has a strict no-selfie, no-social-media policy during the event.
The purpose? To preserve the event’s exclusivity and sophistication, ensuring that attendees fully immerse themselves in the curated experience rather than sharing every moment online. Yet, some celebrities have still managed to sneak in a few photos, but those risks come with consequences—especially if your photo ends up on Anna Wintour’s desk the next morning.
3. No Garlic, Onions, or Parsley on the Menu
When it comes to food, the Met Gala doesn’t leave room for awkward moments. The menu is carefully crafted to be red-carpet friendly, which means that certain ingredients are strictly banned—specifically garlic, onions, and parsley.
This may seem unusual, but it’s entirely intentional. The goal is to avoid bad breath or food particles stuck in teeth during conversations and photographs. According to the 2016 documentary The First Monday in May, Anna Wintour is deeply involved in the menu planning and personally ensures all dishes are neat, elegant, and mess-free.
4. Strict Seating Arrangements – Even Couples Are Separated
If you thought attending the Met Gala guaranteed a seat next to your date or spouse, think again. The event has highly curated seating arrangements, crafted to encourage new connections and lively conversation.
According to Vogue’s Special Projects Director, Ward Durrett, even married couples are deliberately seated apart. The logic? Guests are more likely to engage in fresh and diverse conversations, which enhances the social fabric of the night.
Everything from professional relationships to personalities is considered in these placements. So, even if you’ve paid a hefty price for a ticket, you have no control over where you sit.
5. An Invitation Doesn’t Mean Free Entry
While receiving a Met Gala invitation is considered a major honor, it doesn’t guarantee a free entry. In fact, each ticket can cost upwards of $50,000, and an entire table can run into the hundreds of thousands.
Most celebrities attend thanks to major fashion houses that sponsor their appearance. Designers cover the ticket costs in exchange for showcasing their brand through their celebrity ambassadors. It’s a win-win: celebs get a glamorous outfit and entrance, while brands gain priceless media exposure.
All proceeds from ticket sales go toward supporting the Costume Institute, which relies on these funds for exhibitions, research, and preservation.
Conclusion: Fashion, Fame, and Fierce Rules
The Met Gala 2025 promises another iconic night filled with fashion-forward moments, thanks to its unique theme and the precision of its planning. But behind the glitz lies a framework of strict regulations that uphold the event’s legendary status.
From no selfies and no smoking to curated menus and meticulously assigned seating, every rule plays a part in shaping the exclusive magic of the evening. And with Anna Wintour’s unwavering vision, the Met Gala continues to be more than just a party—it’s a moment in fashion history.
