Met Gala 2015: behind-the-scenes snaps

See how the stars prepared for the glittering Met Gala 2015...

The Met Gala 2015 was a glittering affair, like any other, with the likes of Rihanna, Alexa Chung and Beyonce topping the celebrity guest list, and treading the red carpet in a selection of showstopping gowns created by some of fashion's finest designers.

And as the celebrities posed up a storm on the red carpet, there was plenty of behind-the-scenes action going on too, helpfully documented by the stars themsleves on Instagram.

From Lily Aldridge having a pre-Gala facial, to Cara Delevingne weighing-in with Stella McCartney and new pals Miley Cyrus and Rita Ora sharing a selfie - we've rounded up all the best snaps from the night.

Katie Holmes shared a fun before and after snap of her daring blunt new bob, seen in what looks to be an impressive hand stand pose.

Kim Kardashian and J-Lo posed for an incredible 'Belfie' in their red carpet gowns, taken by Kim K's new hubby Kanye West.

The queen of pop Madonna was a busy girl on Instagram, sharing a selection of snaps, most notably with fellow singers Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, and another seen showering Moschino's Jeremy Scott with praise for her all-black Met Gala look.

See all the unexpected friendships, pre-Gala beauty prep and close-up shots of that jewel encrusted Beyonce dress, and click through to see the our Met Gala instagram round-up...

First up, BFF's Cara and Rihanna...

Rihanna & Cara Delevingne

Rihanna and Cara Delevingne share a rare moment together during the Gala dinner, as captured by Brit designer Stella McCartney 'The ladies! X-Stella #StellasWorld #MetGala2015'

Kim Kardashian & Jennifer Lopez

Kanye West documented possibly one of the most famous Belfie shots to date, snapping his new wife Kim Kardashian and friend Jennifer Lopez side by side in their showstopping gowns 'Kim K - With my idol @jlo'.

Kim Kardashian & Jennifer Lopez

Kanye West documented possibly one of the most famous Belfie shots to date, snapping his new wife Kim Kardashian and friend Jennifer Lopez side by side in their showstopping gowns 'Kim K - With my idol @jlo'.

Emma Roberts

Ralph Lauren posted a rather demure picture of Emma Roberts wearing a stunning emerald green gown of their creation en route to the MET Gala.

Madonna, Lady Gaga & Katy Perry

Who knew these sassy singers were pals? Madonna captions this super-sweet snap 'Girls night out.......... Kissing the Ring........Finally! #metball'.

Stella McCartney & Cara Delevingne

Stella McCartney shared this fun snap with Cara Delevingne on some rather overswized weighing scales 'The ladies! X-Stella #StellasWorld #MetGala2015'.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker posed pre-Gala, showcasing her rather extravagant headpiece by Philip Treacey.

Rita Ora, Madonna & Tom Ford

Rita Ora, Madonna and Tom Ford team up for one of the most stylish Instagram snaps of the night 'Thank you my handsome most amazing date @tomford #gorgeousdatenightwitthebaes

Stella Mccartney, Donatella Versace & Cara Delevingne

Stella McCartney shared a candid snap with pals Cara Delevingne and Donatella Versace.

Rihanna

Rihanna was clearly a fan of that showstopping yellow train, taking to Instagram to share her MET Ball red carpet moment.

Madonna & Jeremy Scott

Madonna is clearly a fan of designer-of-the-moment Jeremy Scott, captioning her candid snap  'Living For Moschino!!!??#rebelhearts'.

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West & Madonna

Kim Kardashian shared a selfie with her new husband and Queen of pop, Madonna. 'Met @diplo x Kanye x @Madonna'.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian, Marc Jacobs, Cher and Kanye West team up for a super-starry selfie.

Kim Kardashian & Lady Gaga

Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga share a moment post MET Ball 'I just love this girl @ladygaga.

Karen Elson

Karen Elson captured her prep-team at work to create the ultimate MET Gala look. 'Almost ready thanks to the glam squad at @dolcegabbana @stefanogabbana @beauty5s @james_breese_ @pasqualeferrantehair'.

Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss poses with model-of-the-moment Gigi Hadid 'Hitched a ride to the #MetGala with this gorgeous gal @gigihadid #CarpoolLane'.

Diane Von Furstenberg

DVF and her MET Gala gals 'Almost ready for the #MetGala! Diane with Kate Mara, Kate Beckinsale, @GigiHadid and @gabiviolin14 #ChinaLookingGlass'.

Beyonce

Up close and personal with queen Bey.

Beyonce

A relaxed Beyonce shares a rare off-duty snap playing with her super-high ponytail.

Alexa Chung & Erdem

Alexa Chung's Instagram thank you letter to Brit designer Erdem '@nataporter Thank you @erdemlondon for making me feel like a princess princess!!'.

Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung with pal Phillip Lim 'Bumped into a fave @therealphilliplim'.

Sarah Jessica parker

Sarah Jessica Parker signs out from the MET Gala 2015 'Til next year...'.

Lily Aldridge

Lily Aldridge shares her pre-Gala beauty prep 'Enjoying a- little pre #MetGala pampering'.

Estee Lauder

Estee Lauder captured an up-close shot of model-of-the-moment Kendall Jenner pre red carpet.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes debuting that new blunt bob at the MET Gala 2015.

Katie Holmes

Katie Holmes pre-bob haircut  'Dare me.....#metball'.

Reese Witherspoon & Sophia Vergara

New BFF's Reese Witherspoon and Sophia Vergara share a sweet snap post MET gala.

Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr poses with her styling team en route to the MET Gala 2015.

Miley Cyrus & Rita Ora

Miley Cyrus and Rita Ora take to the dance floor for some post-Gala fun.