The Met Gala, one of the most anticipated events in the fashion calendar, is fast approaching. Scheduled for the first Monday in May, this year's gala will see Hollywood's elite gather to interpret the dress code 'fashion is art'. The star-studded fundraiser supports the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute and is overseen by Vogue legend Anna Wintour.
While creative expression and sartorial daring are encouraged, the exclusive affair comes with a host of widely reported rules that guests must follow. From photography restrictions to mandatory socialising, here are 11 of the most unusual regulations for the Met Gala.
1. Invitation Only
All guests must be personally selected by the organisers and must cover the hefty entrance fee, reported to be $100,000 this year.
2. Outfits Must Be Approved by Anna Wintour
The global chief content officer and artistic director at Condé Nast holds final authority on all guests' clothing choices.
3. No Smoking
Given the worldwide audience, organisers promote healthy behaviour. Smoking also violates New York City's Smoke-Free Air Act.
4. Follow the Dress Code
Each year's dress code varies, and attendees are expected to adhere strictly. This year's theme is 'fashion is art'.
5. No Social Media
The Met Gala is considered a 'traditional' affair, with official photographers capturing the evening. Guests are expected to be fully present, not glued to their phones.
6. No Selfies
Taking selfies is heavily frowned upon. This explains the popularity of the infamous 'bathroom selfie', where stars gather in restrooms to take photos, as phones are permitted there.
7. No Under 18s
The Met Gala is strictly adults-only, a rule established in 2018.
8. Don't Touch the Artwork
Guests caught touching any artwork risk permanent exclusion from all future Met Galas.
9. Strict Seating Plan
Guests cannot sit beside their partners. Organiser Eaddy Kiernan told Vogue in 2023: 'We really try to think carefully about who's sitting next to each other. Our ideal pairing would maybe be two people who we think will just get on like a house on fire but who may not even realise that they have a lot in common.'
10. No Parsley
The herb is banned from the menu to prevent it from getting lodged in guests' teeth.
11. No Onion or Garlic
These ingredients are avoided to prevent unpleasant breath. Additionally, no 'messy' starters are served to protect elaborate costumes.
Fans often discuss these rumoured regulations on social media. On Reddit, one user asked about plus ones, to which another replied: 'Designers invite the celebrities. They sit where the designer has seats. Celebrities do not have plus ones; their partner is either invited or not. Mostly not.'
The 2026 Met Gala red carpet will be available to watch in the UK on Monday, May 4, 2026, starting at 11 PM BST. The event is not typically broadcast on traditional UK terrestrial TV channels but can be viewed via Vogue's official livestream or Live from E! on the E! Online website or YouTube channel.
