Notes on Met Gala: Here’s How Extravagant the Annual Fundraising Event Really Is

May is one of the busiest months of a year because there are simply lots of things happening – some people celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day, while for the fashion whos-who, this is the time to see and explore outrageous outfits of celebrities and prominent personalities as they showcase their interpretations of the annual theme.

This year, the event, dubbed “Oscars of the East,” falls on May 6 and with the theme “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” Expectedly, the public saw extreme takes and exaggerated looks on the red carpet, which was just a nod to the theme.

What is Met Gala?

Anna Wintour selects who will be invited to Met Gala.

As you can imagine, helming such an event is not an easy feat nor a cheap one. Its opulence is outpouring as soon as you get a hold of the details surrounding the celebration and the costumes of the guests, which, by the way, come with a hefty price tag.

Every year, celebrities make their way to the iconic stairs of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Costume Institute exhibition, but don’t dream of posing in the famous spot just yet as only Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who has been in charge of the event since 1995, gets to handpick who of the crème de la crème will grace the event.

Met Gala Tickets and Tables

As stated, Met Gala is an invite-only event, but tickets can range from $30,000 to $50,000. That’s just a meek amount compared to the price of tables – some of these go for $275,000 to $500,000, but get more expensive if a brand wishes to sponsor.

In 2015, sponsor Yahoo had to shell out $3 million for two tables. So, if you are a celebrity and will sit at an already paid table, then you can attend the event for free. The same goes when designers lent you their creations.

Performance and Accommodation

With the price that you have to cash out for the attendance, you ought to have a decent performance to watch. This year, the performer was no less than Cher, who was said to charge $1.5 million every appearance.

Meanwhile, some guests choose to stay close to the venue where they will get ready for the ball. A Carlyle room ranges from $820 to $910 a night, while a room at The Mark comes between $1,195 and $1,250.

Gowns and Accessories

Jared Leto’s head was created by Makinarium for Gucci.

We’ve all seen just how grand and meticulous the looks for this year are, so it’s safe to say that the hefty price tag that comes with the clothes is not a shocker. Designer gowns reportedly cost at least $4,495 up to $35,610. Billy Porter was like a walking gold when he appeared in a 24-karat gold headdress, a heavily jeweled outfit, 10-foot gold wings, shoes, and other accessories.

As far as accessories are concerned, these range more or less like the clothes’ prices, sometimes even higher —  Jared Leto’s head replica was made by Makinarium for Gucci and a head from the Italian luxury brand usually costs $11,368. Jennifer Lopez’s necklace was pegged at $200,000 to $300,000! Lady Gaga’s accessories reportedly totaled $2 million!

However, not all of the attendees opt for opulent choices. Serena Williams went for an Off-White x Nike Air Force that’s worth $799. Last year, Blake Lively partnered her delicate and extravagant Versace dress with a $5-press on nails.

Blake Lively had $5-press-on nails last year.