Met Gala 2018: Go behind the scenes with the best candids, Instagram snaps and party photos

The photos from the Met Gala's red carpet are celebrated around the world, and this year's Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & the Catholic Imagination brought out a bevy of over-the-top ensembles (and headdresses!). But the true magic happens behind the scenes, at the $30,000-per-plate dinner and a host of fashionable after-parties, where stars like Rihanna, Naomi Watts, Ariana Grande, Emma Stone and more can really let loose. Here's we've rounded up the best behind-the-scenes party pics, candids and Instagram snaps.

Say cheese! Salma Hayek, far right, posted this all-star photo co-starring (right to left) Ariana Grande, Naomi Watts, Pharrell and Helen Lasichanh.

Photo: © Instagram/@salmahayek

Hailey Baldwin and Shawn Mendes, who made their debut as a couple on the red carpet, toasted the fete with model pals Joan Smalls and Ruby Rose in a photo shared to the Canadian singer's Instagram.

Photo: © Instagram/@shawnmendes

With their dramatic outfits, guests at the Met Ball have to carefully navigate the stairs – and also the hugs! Amal Clooney gave Rihanna a careful embrace to the delight of two very amused onlookers – Donatella Versace and Anna Wintour!

Photo: © Dimitrios Kambouris/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Star pair Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez packed on the PDA at the Heavenly Bodies bash.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

With sister Beyoncé a no show, it was up to Solange to represent the Knowles sisters solo in this architectural Iris Van Herpen ensemble, which she posted to her Instagram.

Photo: © Instagram/@saintrecords

Shailene Woodley and Emma Stone arrived hand-in-hand to the Met Gala Balmain after party at the Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel.

Photo: © TheStewartofNY/GC Images

In this quirky Instagram shot, actress Lily Collins posed the question: "Tell me the truth: should I stay in and take a bath or go out to the after party?"

Photo: © Instagram/@lilycollins

Selena Gomez and Gigi Hadid looked thrilled to see one another, melting into this taffeta-laden hug during the Met Gala cocktail party.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez also hit the party circuit, stopping at the NYC Balmain Boom Boom Room bash.

Photo: © TheStewartofNY/GC Images

Designer Marc Jacobs posted this photo of himself with Janelle Monae and Char Defrancesco to Instagram with the caption: "So happy, proud and grateful to be able to escort the exquisite @janellemonae to the #Metgala2018 #heavenlybodies custom @marcjacobs @stephenjonesmillinery @chardefrancesco in @huntsmansavilerow @ifandco me in @huntsmansavilerow".

Photo: © Instagram/@themarcjacobs

Designer Jeremy Scott looked on as Nicki Minaj, left, and pregnant Cardi B were deep in conversation at the Metropolitan Museum of Art fundraising gala.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Ariana Grande joined the woman who created her fairytale gown – legendary designer Vera Wang – as the Met Ball began.

Photo: © Dia Dipasupil/WireImage

The hosts with the most! A glamorous line-up featuring, right to left, Anna Wintour, Amal Clooney, Rihanna, Donatella Versace, Christine Schwarzman and Stephen A. Schwarzman.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Bella Hadid, Amber Valletta and Kate Moss had a model moment in their not-so-little black dresses during the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination gala.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Hollywood heartthrobs Bradley Cooper, Michael B. Jordan, and Chadwick Boseman were a very stylish (and handsome!) trio as they mingled at the Gala.

Photo: © Dimitrios Kambouris/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Wearing matching nude lips and with their hair pulled back, Kylie Jenner and Selena Gomez were almost twinning as they met up during the museum soirée.

Photo: © Matt Winkelmeyer/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Karen Elson, far right, was "Met Balling with the Super Duper Models", left to right, Ashley Graham, Amber Valletta, Poppy Delevigne, Kate Moss and, in the foreground, Alexa Chung.

Photo: © Instagram/@misskarenelson

Let your imagination take flight! Kris Jenner was clearly impressed with a Versace-clad Katy Perry's spectacular wings.

Photo: © Dimitrios Kambouris/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Supermodel Gisele was definitely ready for her close-up! She also gave a shout out to the extensive team who helped her look so flawless. "Ready to go! Thank you @versace for working so hard to make me an eco dress. The fabric and lining used are both 100% organic silk ecologically dyed, the threads are 100% organic cotton and everything is certificated as GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard. Thank you to my super team @hungvanngo @davidvoncannon @georgecortina and @deborahlippman for getting me ready for tonight!✨ ✨"

Photo: © Instagram/@gisele

Diane Kruger shared a behind-the-scenes close-up of her amazing Philip Treacy cage veil. "Ready or not ♥️ @bridgetbragerhair ♥️ PHILIP TREACY !!!!!!!" she captioned the pic.

Photo: © Instagram/@dianekruger

SZA and Tracee Ellis Ross were both pretty in pink in their frothy gowns at the cocktail gathering inside the Met Gala.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Paris Jackson channelled 1980s rocker chic at the Balmain after party at Boom Boom Room at the Standard Hotel.

Photo: © TheStewartofNY/GC Images

A Wrinkle in Time star Mindy Kaling was a true queen in a gorgeous oversized crown by Greek jewelry designer Pericles Kondylatos.

Photo: © Mike Coppola/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Amal Clooney flashed an over-the-shoulder smile as husband George Clooney chatted with Francesco Carrozzini and Bee Shaffer inside the Met Gala celebration.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

After making their red carpet debut as a couple last month, Scarlett Johansson and Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost made a fashionable appearance at the Met.

Photo: © Dimitrios Kambouris/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Kate Upton looked positively angelic in her gorgeous green Zac Pozen gown and colourful crown.

Photo: © Matt Winkelmeyer/MG18/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue