The first Monday in May has arrived—and you know what that means. Tonight, the stars will ascend the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in what’s often called the fashion world’s Oscars: the Met Gala. But while millions will watch red carpet live streams and obsess over gowns, there’s a whole world behind those museum doors that most people never get to see.
What really happens once the flashbulbs stop? What rules do even A-listers have to follow? And why are some celebrities never invited back?
As the 2025 Met Gala unfolds tonight, here’s your all-access pass to the most closely guarded secrets—plus a few new ones insiders are whispering about this year.
And This Year? Even More Secrets Are Brewing
While tonight’s theme has fashion fans guessing what jaw-dropping looks will dominate the carpet, those truly in the know are watching what doesn’t get posted. From rumored feuds to a new set of social media restrictions (yes, even stricter than before), 2025’s Gala is shaping up to be one of the most tightly controlled—and potentially drama-filled—evenings yet.
What brand got snubbed at the last minute? Which guest showed up uninvited? And what happened in that elevator at The Mark Hotel after midnight?
Phones Are (Officially) Banned—But Still Used
Anna Wintour implemented a strict no phone, no selfie policy to preserve the event’s exclusivity and mystique. But despite the rule, there’s a secret selfie room—yes, really—usually in the museum’s bathroom or tucked-away hallways, where celebrities sneak off to document the night. That now-iconic 2017 bathroom mirror selfie with Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and A$AP Rocky? Totally off-limits—and totally worth it.
The Seating Chart Is a Strategic Power Play
The seating chart is a puzzle orchestrated months in advance by Vogue editors and Anna Wintour herself. No one is randomly placed. Enemies are kept apart. Rising stars are placed next to legends. Brands pay fortunes for their guests to sit next to celebrities—and Anna has final approval on every single name and pairing.
Guests Must Follow a “Conversation Code”
It’s not just about looking good. Attendees are expected to mingle, network, and keep conversations flowing. In fact, the team sends out prep packets reminding guests of key figures they’ll be seated near—along with “safe” talking points (hint: avoid politics and drama unless it’s fashion-related). First-time guests are often coached beforehand.
Dinner Is Glamorous, But Not Always Delicious
The menu is carefully curated to fit the theme—plant-based in recent years—but past guests have quietly confessed the food isn’t always five-star. Some even eat beforehand or arrange post-Gala dinners elsewhere (usually at Zero Bond or The Mark Hotel). And while wine flows freely, spirits are limited to prevent drunken scenes.
You Can Be Uninvited
It’s one thing to not be invited, but being uninvited is a whole different level. If you break rules, post unapproved photos, or get into scandals that could taint the Gala’s pristine image—you’re out. Anna Wintour is known for enforcing an ironclad guest list. Some major celebs (we won’t name names, but…Rihanna wasn’t there in 2023) have vanished from the event for reasons fans still speculate about.
Bathroom Breaks Are Social Hubs
While the Gala is formal, the museum bathrooms are anything but. They’ve become legendary as unfiltered hangout spots where celebs let loose, take selfies, gossip, or even smoke (a controversy that led to backlash in 2017). Some insiders claim the real tea gets spilled in those marble stalls, not at the dinner table.
Everyone Pays—One Way or Another
While celebrities are “invited,” it’s usually their fashion houses or brands who foot the bill. A single ticket can cost upwards of $50,000, and a table? Closer to $300,000. Brands shell out for tables to seat their muses and ambassadors—but every attendee is expected to come dressed by a designer, in full-on theme. No brand? No look? No invite.
There’s a Secret After-After Party Circuit
While the official afterparty is buzzy, the real parties happen in private penthouses and hotel suites across Manhattan. These ultra-secret gatherings are invite-only (again), often with tighter security and looser rules. Think barefoot supermodels, swapped outfits, and the kind of debauchery that never makes it to Instagram.
Not Every Look Is Approved
Believe it or not, celebrities must submit their Met Gala looks for approval by Vogue’s team before the event. If a dress doesn’t meet the theme—or if it’s deemed inappropriate, overexposed, or off-brand—it could be nixed or altered. There are rumors of last-minute wardrobe changes and even rejections at the museum doors (though Anna’s team is discreet about it).
Anna Wintour Sees Everything
She’s not just the host—she’s the queen of the castle. From the moment you step out of your car to the second you leave, Anna’s team is watching. Security guards, Vogue staffers, and even florists have instructions to keep an eye on every movement, interaction, and moment. Misstep? You may not be invited back.
