11 of the weirdest Met Gala rules from no selfies to unexpected food bans

The Met Gala is one of the biggest events in the fashion calendar which typically falls on the first Monday in May. Despite all the excitement, there are a number of reported rules guests must follow

View Image

The Met Gala is fast approaching, when Hollywood’s elite will arrive in their finest to interpret this year’s dress code – “fashion is art”. The prestigious event functions as a star-studded fundraising gala for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and is overseen by Vogue legend, Anna Wintour.

The annual event traditionally takes place on the first Monday in May, with the invitation-only attendees parading down the red carpet before exploring the latest exhibition. This year, the Costume Institute will honour “Costume Art”. Guests are welcome – and virtually expected – to stretch fashion to its most daring extremes.

Yet while creative expression and sartorial experimentation is allowed at the exclusive affair, there are many widely documented rules and regulations that must be observed.

From photography restrictions to mandatory socialising, here are 11 of the more unusual reported regulations for the Met Gala:

1. Invitation only attendees – all guests are personally selected and must cover the hefty entrance fee. This year, it’s reported to be $100,000.
2. All 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.
3. No smoking – given the worldwide audiences the Met Gala attracts, it’s vital to organisers to promote healthy behaviour. Smoking also breaches New York City’s Smoke-Free Air Act.
4. Guests are urged to follow the dress code – the dress code varies each year and attendees are expected to adhere to it. This year’s dress code is “fashion is art”.
5. No social media – the Met Gala is regarded as a more “traditional” affair, with official photographers capturing the evening’s moments. Guests are expected to be fully present rather than fixated on their mobile phones.
6. No selfies – likewise, taking selfies at the Met Gala is heavily frowned upon. This explains why the notorious “bathroom selfie” has become popular in recent years, with stars often gathering in the loos where they’re permitted to use their phones.
7. No under 18s – the Met Gala is strictly an adults only affair. This rule was established in 2018.
8. Don’t touch the artwork – guests caught touching any artwork face potential permanent exclusion from all Met Galas.
9. There’s a strict seating plan – and guests can’t sit beside their partners. In 2023, Met Gala organiser Eaddy Kiernan told Vogue: “We really try to think very 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 realize that they have a lot in common.”
10. No parsley – the herb is banned from the menu to prevent it becoming lodged in guests’ teeth.
11. No onion or garlic – this prevents unpleasant breath issues. Additionally, no “messy” starters are served to protect the elaborate costumes and outfits.

Met Gala fans often discuss the rumoured regulations surrounding the occasion on social media.

On Reddit, one person asked: “So we know spouses can’t sit next to each other, but what if a celebrity has a plus one?

“Do their plus ones sit with them? I know plus ones don’t usually happen (or so I’ve been told) but still, just wondering.”

Someone else 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 11PM BST.

The event is not typically broadcast on traditional UK terrestrial TV channels. Instead, you can watch it through the following digital platforms: Vogue’s Official Livestream, Live From E! (may be accessible via the E! Online website or the E! Entertainment YouTube channel).

Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk