From Garlic to selfies: What items are banned at the MET Gala?

Every year, the Met Gala draws the world's fashion elite to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a night of glamour, art, and fundraising.

Although fashion fanatics wait with a bated breath to catch a glimpse of their favourite celebrities in couture, it's actually not just about who wears what!

It's a tightly controlled affair where rules keep the magic alive, protecting priceless exhibits and ensuring that star-studded conversations flow without distractions.

Hosted by Anna Wintour, this invite-only extravaganza demands respect for the venue and the vibe.

The high stakes event also has a list of items that are banned from The MET, and crossing the limits and breaking the rules means getting banned from the event.

Whether it's dodging bad breath or honoring the dress code, these boundaries make the event legendary.
Here are the dos and don'ts that shape fashion's night out at the METPhoto credits: @2026MetGala/ X

Imagine you are rubbing shoulders with Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, but your phone stays locked away.

Those famous bathroom selfies from past Met Galas? They're actually not allowed. The whole point of the party's exclusivity is that nobody really knows what goes on inside. Still, celebs can't resist snapping pics during the fun.

Before the 2024 Met Gala, Anna Wintour told Jenna Bush Hager on Today, "It's great to hear people say after dinner, 'We had such amazing talks.' The idea is that life can happen without snapping a photo on your phone."

Lighting up at the Met Gala? Big no-no. The Metropolitan Museum strictly prohibits smoking, including vapes, inside or near entrances to safeguard costumes and air quality. The Metropolitan Museum of Art's official site states: "Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is prohibited in the Museum or near the entrances." This strict no-smoking policy protects the delicate costumes and artworks on display, but yes, some celebs have broken it in the past

Anna Wintour's menu vetoes are legendary: no garlic, onions, or chives to dodge bad breath on the red carpet.

Those strong flavors linger on breath, but Anna told Today, "Well, those are three things I’m not particularly fond of." To keep up with the rules Katy Perry even skipped onions in her fun burger outfit at the 2019 Met Gala!

The official MET website lists several other things that attendees are expected to leave back at home.

The list is huge and includes large bags, luggage, and bulky gear. Official policy lists no glass containers, aerosol cans, liquids (except water), food, drinks, weapons, tools, or plants. Selfie sticks, drones, tripods are all banned unless pre-approved.

Apart from this, oversized strollers, bikes, skateboards, costumes, and masks covering faces are also out. Security decides on risky items to shield art and guests.