Fashion houses prepare looks and propose plus-ones each spring — who decides who attends the Met Gala for designer guests starts in the atelier before Vogue ever sees the name.

Wealthy patrons and corporations purchase tables through the Met development office — who decides who attends the Met Gala for donor seats follows a separate philanthropic lane from brand marketing.

Co-chairs like Beyoncé and Nicole Kidman anchor each cycle — who decides who attends the Met Gala expands through host committee invites within their table allocations and Vogue priorities.

Security staff verify every guest against the locked list at the museum entrance — who decides who attends the Met Gala means unapproved names never walk the carpet regardless of fame.

No brand relationship, dress-code violations, or Wintour disapproval can end a Met Gala run — who decides who attends the Met Gala also controls who stays home watching the livestream.