Met Gala tickets, which are invite-only, cost $75,000. Here's what that gets attendees.

Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton are two of this year's Met Gala co-chairs.Taylor Hill/WireImageThe Met Gala is famously exclusive.In 2025, individual tickets cost $75,000, while entire tables cost $350,000.Guests are treated to a cocktail hour, dinner, and exclusive performances.Everyone knows how exclusive the Met Gala is.Each year, the guest list is approved by Vogue's editor in chief, Anna Wintour, but attendance requires more than an invitation — there's also a hefty entry fee.The New York Times reported that individual tickets for the 2025 Met Gala, a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, cost $75,000, and tables for 10 people start at $350,000.However, celebrities are usually not the ones paying this price. Tables are generally purchased by design houses, brands, or companies, who then choose the guests they'd like to invite to the table, which requires approval from Wintour.So, while only a select group of elite people experience the grandeur of the Met Gala, the rest of us are left to wonder what that entails.Of course, there's the famed red carpet and the over-the-top fashion, but here's a peek inside the Met's walls — the cocktails, menus, exhibits, and exclusive performances attendees get to witness.A ticket grants you the most important thing of all: access.Inside the 2024 Met Gala.Arturo Holmes/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueThere once was a time when even Kim Kardashian couldn't get an invite to the Met Gala.Amy Odell, the author of "Anna: The Biography," told Time in 2024 that an invitation was a "really huge signifier that you are 'in.'"Eaddy Kiernan, Vogue's contributing editor and Met Gala organizer, told Vogue in 2024 that the seating chart started getting prepped in December but ultimately came together a month before the event."We really try to think very carefully about who's sitting next to each other," Kiernan said. "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. So with each person, we really do take time to think, 'What will they talk about?'"Such access and quality seating have the potential to yield incredible business outcomes.With access secured, attendees walk the red carpet in outfits meticulously planned according to the dress code and theme.Blake Lively at the 2018 Met Gala.Dia Dipasupil/Staff/WireImageHere's Blake Lively at the 2018 Met Gala, which was themed "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination."Once inside, they mingle during cocktail hour.Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Sabrina Dhowre, and Idris Elba at the 2019 Met Gala.Kevin Tachman/MG19/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueGuests of the 2019 Met Gala could enjoy "crispy sea bass hors d'oeuvres, bits of foie gras, or mini-BLT towers," The Associated Press reported.And, of course, it wouldn't be cocktail hour without the drinks.Cocktails served during the 2023 Met Gala.Arturo Holmes/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueHere's a tray of one of the signature cocktails served at the 2023 gala.Guests also have the opportunity to view the Met's exhibit during cocktail hour.Guests of the 2021 Met Gala at the exhibit.Cindy Ord/MG21/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueThe 2021 exhibit was "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion."The Metropolitan Museum of Art said this exhibit included about 100 men's and women's ensembles from the 1940s to the present, each displayed in cases representing 3D quilt patches. The exhibit was organized into 12 sections, exploring emotions such as joy, wonder, desire, and nostalgia.After cocktail hour, guests take their seats for a formal dinner.Table settings inside the 2024 Met Gala.Arturo Holmes/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueIn accordance with 2024's theme, "Sleeping Beauty: Reawakening Fashion," the tablescape was inspired by children's storybooks that "felt a bit romantic and ethereal," according to caterer Olivier Cheng."Drawing on inspiration from the lush gardens and palaces of Sleeping Beauty's fantasy world, we really aimed to build our own bite-sized fairytale," he told Vogue.Drawing on the night's magical theme, the menu featured a "spring vegetable salad with elderflower foam, raspberry vinaigrette, and olive crumble that resembles soil, complete with butterfly-shaped croutons," inspired by Sleeping Beauty's reawakening.The night's main course was a "filet of beef topped with a tortellini rose" designed to resemble fantastical castles.The tables at the event were decorated with "English ivy, candelabras, and lettuce plates," and dark burgundy roses in floral centerpieces.For the dessert, Cheng said he drew inspiration from Snow White's emblematic apple, which he turned into an "almond cremeux molded into the shape of a miniature apple, blanketed with a bright red mirror glaze."The menu in 2018 included cacio e pepe pasta, baby lamb chops, lobster, and branzino.Rihanna and another guest at the 2018 Met Gala.Kevin Tachman/Contributor/Getty Images for VogueDessert was gold-dusted truffles, chocolate-dipped cape gooseberries, and an amaretto Semifreddo cone topped with a gold pearl, Vogue reported.Surprise performances are also a key feature of the night.Justin Bieber performing at the 2021 Met Gala.Kevin Mazur/MG21/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueBieber's denim-on-denim outfit was more Canadian tuxedo than "In America: A Lexicon of Fashion," but we'd still love to know how the room reacted to his performance.The tradition of Met Gala performances started in 2010, when Lady Gaga sang "Bad Romance" as part of the year's "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity" exhibit.Other notable performances include Frank Ocean's "Super Rich Kids" in 2014 and Madonna's "Like a Prayer" in 2018, per The Cut.Ariana Grande was the latest Met Gala performer.Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performing at the 2024 Met Gala.Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueVogue reported that she performed some of her hits, such as "Into You," "Seven Rings," and "We Can't Be Friends." She also performed a rendition of the Disney song "Once Upon a Dream" from "Sleeping Beauty," paying homage to the gala's theme.Her performance ended with a guest appearance from her "Wicked" costar, Cynthia Erivo.Don't worry, attendees still have plenty of time to party.Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and Doja Cat pose at the 2023 Met Gala.Kevin Mazur/MG23/Getty Images for The Met Museum/VogueHere are the rappers Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and Doja Cat striking a pose in 2023.For those who can't get enough of the fun, there's an annual after-party.Cardi B and Janelle Monáe, along with other stars, attended the 2024 after-party.Daniel Zuchnik/WWD via Getty ImagesThe Met Gala started hosting its annual after-party in 2010.Celebrities often change into different looks before hitting another round of red carpets and events.Richie Akiva hosted the 2024 after-party.Read the original article on Business Insider

Comments

Business News

Kohl's ousts CEO Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions

Elon Musk says DOGE ‘should definitely’ investigate Federal Reserve after Post reports on $2.5B ‘Palace of Versailles’ HQ

about 1 hour ago

Harrods is latest retailer to be hit by cyber attack with ‘restricted internet’ after M&S plunged into chaos

Netflix's Ted Sarandos called seeing movies in theaters 'outdated.' Rian Johnson wants his next 'Knives Out' movie in as many as possible.

about 2 hours ago

Why major law firms are taking Trump to court

about 2 hours ago

Ukrainian soldiers who film their kills of Russian soldiers or tanks can earn points to purchase weapons from a military tech 'Amazon'

about 2 hours ago

Citadel bounces back with a strong month despite a chaotic April

Comments

Similar News

Every look Katy Perry has worn to the Met Gala, ranked from least to most iconic

65 of the wildest looks in Met Gala history

No Homers At Home Yet For Juan Soto? No Problem For The Reborn Mets

What To Know About This Year’s Met Gala: Who’s Attending And The ‘Tailoring Black Style’ Theme Explained

Met Gala themes through the years: A list of past Costume Institute exhibitions and dress codes for celebrity guests

Everything you need to know about the Met Gala: What it is, who can go, how celebrities get invited, and more

Blake Lively's Met Gala looks, ranked from least to most iconic

‘Crucial’ skills needs will not be met unless system changes, MSPs told

‘Crucial’ skills needs will not be met unless system changes, MSPs told

Trump and Zelenskyy met ahead of the Pope's funeral &mdash; their first encounter since their White House clash

All of Taylor Swift's Met Gala looks, ranked from least to most iconic

Rihanna is the undisputed queen of Met Gala fashion. Here are all the looks she's worn.

Kim Kardashian's Met Gala looks, ranked from least to most iconic

Rupert Murdoch’s company ‘actively frustrated’ Met’s phone-hacking investigation

Unilever sees sales boost thanks to When Harry Met Sally Super Bowl ad

Zendaya's Met Gala looks, ranked from least to most iconic

Past Met Gala hosts, co-chairs: A list of every celebrity enlisted by Anna Wintour since 1995

Every look Anna Wintour has worn to the Met Gala

Everything we know about the 2025 Met Gala, which will highlight menswear and be cohosted by stars including Lewis Hamilton and LeBron James

Finally, the Trump regime has met its match | Robert Reich

Business News

Kohl's ousts CEO Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions

Average rate on US 30-year mortgage eases to 6.76%, second straight weekly decline

Tariff turmoil prompts cloudy forecasts from General Motors, Harley-Davidson for the year ahead

Lilly star weight-loss drug Zepbound faces coverage challenge from CVS Health

Whisky firm unveils special anniversary malt to celebrate global growth

Up-and-coming Fife distillery declares merger is 'more than just a name change'

Harley-Davidson yanks full-year forecast over ‘uncertain global tariff situation’

Judge slams Apple, rules Tim Cook ‘chose poorly’ in alleged defiance of antitrust ruling

FTSE 100 holds on to gains as US stocks boosted

Elon Musk says DOGE ‘should definitely’ investigate Federal Reserve after Post reports on $2.5B ‘Palace of Versailles’ HQ

Harrods is latest retailer to be hit by cyber attack with ‘restricted internet’ after M&S plunged into chaos

You’ve been using your fan all wrong – simple mistakes to fix to keep your bills down

There’s Nothing Regal About The Kansas City Royals Offense

Family Hit ‘Paddington In Peru’ Gets Netflix Streaming Premiere Date

Lakers Doomed Their Title Hopes By Rescinding The Mark Williams Trade

Lana Del Rey’s First Blockbuster Rockets Up The Charts

Jack Black Has A New Biggest Hit Single

Olivia Rodrigo’s Only Two Albums Are Both Bestsellers Again

All The Snubs And Surprises From 2025’s Tony Nominations

Linkin Park Scores Several Top-Selling Albums As Classics And New Titles Return

All Investor Eyes On Amazon: Earnings Out Today And Tariffs Are ‘Biggest Focus’

Saks Opens On Amazon: Bold Move Or Desperate Measure?

Monopoly Go! Passes $5 Billion In Two Years, But Journey Wasn’t Easy

Five Taylor Swift Albums Rock Back Onto The Same Charts At The Same Time

How Retailers And Consumers Are Holding Up Through Tariff Uncertainty

Eminem Fans Push Several Of His Biggest Albums Back To The Charts

Coco Gauff Stuns Defending Champ Iga Swiatek To Reach Madrid Final

Acclaimed Spy Thriller ‘Black Bag’ Coming To Peacock This Week

Judge Indefinitely Blocks Trump From Using Alien Enemies Act To Deport Venezuelans

Ryan Garcia Vs. Rolly Romero Fight Card Ring Walk Times

Armas Will Finally Get His Just Desserts, With Hall Of Fame Induction

A World Leader In Renewables, Can Australia Save U.S. Rare Earths

Rihanna’s Beloved, Years-Old Singles Bounce Back Onto The Same Chart

Urban First For IKEA As It Opens Highest Profile Store In The World

Paul Simon Charts A Brand New Album As One Beloved Classic Returns

Topshop and Topman launch London pop-up ahead of full return this summer

FTSE 100 holds on to gains as US stocks boosted

M&S pauses recruitment amid ongoing cyber attack

Luxury store Harrods is latest retail victim of cyber attackers

AD FEATURE: ‘How I found relief from my hay fever nightmare’

I ordered the cheapest steak meal at Outback, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse &mdash; there was one clear winner

McDonald's sales fall to lowest levels since Covid lockdowns, despite the chain's new value menu

Netflix's Ted Sarandos called seeing movies in theaters 'outdated.' Rian Johnson wants his next 'Knives Out' movie in as many as possible.

Why major law firms are taking Trump to court

Ukrainian soldiers who film their kills of Russian soldiers or tanks can earn points to purchase weapons from a military tech 'Amazon'

Citadel bounces back with a strong month despite a chaotic April

Elon Musk says DOGE is 'a way of life, like Buddhism' and could last until 2029

Kohl's fires its CEO months after he started the job

Xbox prices hiked worldwide amid tariff uncertainty

Harrods latest retailer to be hit by cyber attack

Kennedy Issues Demands for Vaccine Approvals that Could Affect Fall Covid Boosters

At a Dubai Conference, Trump’s Conflicts Take Center Stage

The number of Americans filing for jobless claims jumps but remains at healthy levels

U.S. Chamber of Commerce begs Trump for tariff relief for small businesses

Kohl's ousts CEO Ashley Buchanan after investigation into some vendor transactions

State pension age to rise with Britons forced to work longer from one key date

General Motors CEO Mary Barra warns Trump’s tariffs will cost automaker up to $5B this year

Trump and Zelenskyy met ahead of the Pope's funeral — their first encounter since their White House clash

I ordered the cheapest steak meal at Outback, Texas Roadhouse, and LongHorn Steakhouse — there was one clear winner