Met Gala 2025: Cracking Down on Selfies, Smoking, and Surprising Menu Choices

The Met Gala 2025 is famous for its high-octane fashion and jaw-dropping red carpet moments, but this year, the rules are getting even stricter. The event’s theme, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ isn’t just a cue for inventive outfits—it’s also a nod to history, identity, and art. But while designers and celebrities get creative with fashion, they’ll have far less freedom when it comes to event etiquette.

Forget impulsively snapping a selfie with Rihanna or documenting your wild bathroom adventures. Starting with the 2015 edition, Anna Wintour declared no selfies or smartphone use at the gala. That hasn’t stopped some bold-faced names—everybody remembers Kylie Jenner’s 2017 group selfie that blew up Instagram and sent organizers scrambling—but the mandate stands. No Instagram, TikTok, or X posts from inside those hallowed halls. The goal? Keep the event private, polished, and mysterious, echoing old-school Hollywood glamor.

It’s not just about phones. There's a strict 18-and-over age limit. The organizers are holding the line: No children, no exceptions. The event’s adult vibe and the museum’s as-yet-undisclosed proceedings just aren’t for kids. This isn’t a new red-carpet playground for aspiring teen influencers—it’s a night for the grown-ups.

Of course, previous galas have had their share of rule-breakers. Stars like Bella Hadid and Dakota Johnson sparked controversy after being caught smoking indoors in 2017. In response, organizers clamped down: there’s a zero-tolerance policy for anyone caught lighting up in the Met. It’s all about respecting the priceless art and keeping the event sophisticated (and smoke-free).

Menus, Manners, and the Art of Exclusivity

While the thunder of camera flashes is expected outside the Met, what lands on the dinner table is equally controlled. In a twist that’s left some guests scratching their heads, the 2025 event also bans onion dishes. The exact reason remains under wraps, though some speculate it’s to keep the air fresh and conversations pleasant. Imagine sitting between Beyoncé and a top designer, only to have onion breath intrude—definitely not the vibe the organizers are going for.

Expect action behind the scenes too. Event staff will be watching for anyone violating the no selfie and no smoking rules. Seats are meticulously assigned, and guests are expected to stick to them. No wandering off for impromptu reunions; anyone caught flouting their seating arrangement will get a gentle nudge back to their assigned spot. The idea is simple: keep things elegant, orderly, and let everyone soak in the event without distractions.

The gala kicks off the museum’s exhibition ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ (open May 10–October 26), which spotlights the craft and culture behind expertly tailored suits. The dress code ‘Tailored for You’ promises red carpet looks that are both personal and historic—giving designers and celebs plenty of creative room while staying true to the exhibition’s central themes.

All these rules might sound intimidating, but they set the stage for a night that’s truly one of a kind. Think of it as protecting the party’s magic—so when the world wakes up the next morning, they’re still wondering what really happened inside the Met.