I can bet you have never thought of this question. Why does a famous TikTocker walk first on that red-carpet event, and then Rihanna shows up last at the Met Gala? If you have, this blog post is your answer.

It may surprise you, but there’s a hierarchy—even on the red carpet—about who walks first and who gets the grand finale spotlight.. Now you may ask – what does this red-carpet pyramid of hierarchies look like? Who decides it? Why? And on what basis? So now, will there be classes within the wealthy class itself? – Yes! This blog will reveal all such shocking and interesting facts about these events of the regals. Welcome to the world of the carpet hierarchy, where even the ultra-rich and famous are ranked, judged, and positioned on a glittering social ladder.

The first documented red carpet dates back to ancient Greece, when a red path was rolled out for the gods (literally). Fast forward to 1922, Hollywood embraced it during the premiere of Robin Hood, and it became the ultimate VIP welcome.

This red-carpet pyramid of hierarchy is a real game. At the top are A-list celebs, followed by the Royals and billionaires. Below that are the socialites, influencers, reality stars, and indie artists. The red carpet arrivals are meticulously planned and timed.

1. Early Arrivals: Influencers, Supporting Cast, and Reality TV Stars –  They get some camera time but not the spotlight; they’re often brand-invited or lower on the guest list.
2. Mid-Slot: Rising Stars, TV Actors, Fashion Bloggers – They get more buzz, but they still serve as warm-up acts for the big names.
3. Prime-Time Arrivals: A-List Celebs, Lead Actors, Mega-Designers – This is the golden hour. Paparazzi are fully alert, live streams are rolling, and the world is watching. Think Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet or Margot Robbie.
4. Final Entrants: Ultimate VIPs –  Royals, Billionaires, Fashion Legends, or the Gala’s Hosts- They usually close the carpet. Why? Because they carry legacy, money, or the final “wow” moment.

The later you walk, the more important you’re perceived to be (generally). The hierarchy is all about who gets the best time slots, the most camera flashes, and the custom couture.

Then, who decides this hierarchy? This depends on the event because every red carpet has its own rules.  

Met Gala: Celebs reign supreme. Designers choose who wears them, giving them status. 

Royal Weddings: Guess what? Even Hollywood A-listers sit behind duchesses. 

Cannes Film Festival: Celebs & mega-directors run the show. 

Tech or Billionaire Galas: Celebs become the decoration, not the center.

And there’s more: walking the red carpet isn’t just about being famous. It’s about timing, relevance, and relationship capital. PR agencies and event organizers carefully choreograph who walks when. You could be more famous, but if someone’s better dressed and better connected? You’re walking behind them, boo. There’s a red-carpet schedule. People wait in black SUVs until it’s their moment. Ultimately, it is connections, clout, and couture!

Just like medieval times had kings and knights, red carpets have their royal court. It is Celebs vs Royals vs Billionaires. Let us break it down. Celebrities bring glamour and attention. The Royals bring grace and tradition to the show. And Billionaires, they bring the money! They could be the ones who sponsored the event. Who wins this game of status, money, influence, and legacy? Again, it may depend on the event.  

The reason behind this hierarchy is even more interesting because now there are classes within the wealthy class. The red carpet is society’s grown-up playground of validation. Because humans love to rank things and people. Even within the wealthy and powerful, there’s an unspoken rule that money, fame, and influence aren’t equal. Some people have one, others have all three. Think of it like a luxury high school where billionaires are the principals, the royals are the legacy kids, and celebs? They’re the cool, chaotic drama club.

So now that we know there’s no avoiding the hierarchy, can we climb up the red-carpet ladder? Yes. How? There are 3 routes, and they are easier said than done. 

1. Influencer route: Partner with brands sponsoring the event. 
2. Creative route: Be the designer, the writer, the director, the talent.
3. Rich-kid route: Be born into it or date/ network with someone who is (unfair, but real).

But there is a golden rule – never try to upstage someone above you on the carpet (That’s like jumping a royal queue) 

It may seem like fun and glam on the surface, but the red carpet is not just a fashion runway; it’s a status parade. The red carpet will always rank you.

So, the next time you’re watching an award show or scrolling through Met Gala looks, ask yourself: Who walked first, and who shut it down at the end? Because on the red carpet, even among royalty and billionaires, order matters.