Who Gets Invited to the Met Gala? Here’s What We Know

The Met Gala, also known as the Met Ball and Costume Institute Gala, is an annual fundraising event that takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and it’s organized by Vogue magazine. 

The tradition dates back to 1948, when fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert spearheaded the first fundraising event for the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit. For the first two decades, the gala included a special dinner that was held at venues like the Waldorf Astoria and the Rainbow Room. But in the early ’70s, Vogue’s former editor-in-chief, Diana Vreeland, joined the Costume Institute as a consultant and gave the event a major upgrade.

Thanks to Vreeland, it has become an elite and glamorous affair, complete with creative themes like Cubism and Fashion, the Costumes of Royal India and The Age of Napoleon. By 1995, when Vogue’s former editor-in-chief Anna Wintour became chairperson of the event, the official date moved to the first Monday in May.

The guest list is star-studded, to say the least. As we’ve seen on previous gala red carpets, the event typically includes the most notable people in fashion, entertainment, sports, politics and more. And while the official 2023 guest list hasn’t been confirmed, we can already guess who will make an appearance.

Since this year's exhibition is a tribute to the late designer, Karl Lagerfeld, Harper’s Bazaar predicts that attendees will include clients that he enjoyed working with. According to Vogue, this includes Anok Yai, Shalom Harlow, Liu Wen, Adut Akech, Natalia Vodianova, Naomi Campbell, Amber Valletta, Gigi Hadid and Devon Aoki. Other possible guests include Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Lizzo and Blake Lively.

The price to attend last year's event was $30,000—but if you think that’s high, just wait until you hear this year’s ticket price.

According to Mashable, the cost to attend this year's festivities is a whopping $50,000. It's a hefty price tag compared to what guests paid for the very first gala in 1948. Back then, attendees paid $50, which is equivalent to $630 today.

1. Donate Money to the Metropolitan Museum of Art 

Since the lavish event also doubles as a fundraiser for the MET’s Costume Institute, it only makes sense that Vogue would extend invitations to their most generous donors. Gala co-chairs, philanthropists, celebrities and companies usually offer financial support.

2. Request to Purchase Your Own Ticket 

As it turns out, the VIP event isn’t always invite-only. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Kate Upton was so determined to attend the gala in 2012 that she wrote Anna Wintour a check for $25,000, earning her a spot on the list. As you know, the price tag has doubled since then. And given how this event has evolved, we can’t say we’re too surprised. 

3. Become a Social Media Star

OK, this is easier said than done. But if you’re fortunate enough to go viral on social media, then you might follow in the footsteps of TikTok stars Addison Rae and Dixie D’Amelio, who both received invites to last year’s Met Gala.

4. Befriend a Celebrity

Or, in other words, date someone who’s famous or influential. Countless plus-ones have been fortunate enough to tag along with guests to previous Met Galas. So, if you’re lucky enough to win the heart of an A-lister, your chances of getting invited will increase.

5. Work for Vogue Magazine 

Getting your byline printed in an issue of Vogue isn't the only perk that comes with working for the popular magazine. As it turns out, some staff members can also attend the gala—especially if it’s connected to work.

6. Or Work as a Celebrity Publicist 

You may have noticed a familiar pattern when it comes to the Met Gala red carpet: The star’s team is always in tow. On occasion, you’ll notice one person (or a few people) trailing behind them to quickly adjust their outfits for photo ops. 

7. Become a Waiter

OK, so it doesn’t technically count as an “invite.” But even if you work behind the scenes, you can still be in the same room as your favorite celebrities. 

In an interview with Insider, Mike Hartman, a former Met Gala worker, talked about his experience serving celebrities and high-profile guests. He said, “We all individually had to hand-serve each item from the menu onto the plates of the guests, along with the sauces, all with one hand over the back of a throne chair with guests wearing custom-made, highly expensive, one-of-a-kind garments. And here we are, serving them French service!"

Still, it turned out to be a great experience. He added, “They all were just talking, networking, and enjoying each other's company.”

8. Sponsor the Met Gala

Corporate sponsors are a huge part of what makes the Met Gala possible. In fact, Prada, Gucci, Condé Nast, Apple, Amazon and Instagram are some of the major brands that have sponsored in the past. 

9. Co-Chair the Gala

In case you’re curious, co-chairs play a big role in helping the Met Gala come to life. Not only are they responsible for creating the atmosphere, but they also contribute to the guest list and collaborate with chefs to create the menu. Naturally, Anna Wintour works alongside the group as permanent co-chair and gives her final approval.

This year, Wintour is joined by Michaela Coel, Penélope Cruz, Roger Federer and Dua Lipa.

10. Perform at the Met Gala

If a singer is selected to perform, they automatically receive an invite. Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry, Kanye West and Justin Bieber are just a few artists who have performed at previous galas.