When it comes to celebrations on Real Housewives of New Jersey, the cast always throws unbelievable parties. OG Teresa Giudice hosted many of these events. And when her sister-in-law, Melissa Gorga, joined RHONJ, the ladies competed to throw the best, and most expensive, parties.
Let’s not forget that some of these festivities served as the backdrop for iconic moments. The fight at Joey Gorga’s christening and the guest in the pool at Jennifer Aydin’s anniversary party spring to mind.
So, let’s stroll down memory lane and revisit the most over-the-top Real Housewives of New Jersey celebrations.
Teresa Giudice’s housewarming party – Season 2
Teresa hired a bossy party planner, Elvira, to make this event unforgettable. The great room in Teresa and her husband, “Juicy” Joe Giudice’s house, was turned into a club. Rented white couches and gold tables were brought in, along with a DJ booth.
Guests were walking on a red carpet when they arrived. Playboy bunny servers offered drinks. Fire-eaters and break dancers entertained the throng. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how Kim DePaola drunkenly told Teresa how much she adored her. All while Teresa was giving a speech.
Audriana Giudice’s christening – Season 2
Teresa and Juicy’s youngest daughter, Audriana Giudice, was born while Season 2 was filming. In a touching moment, Teresa asked Dina Manzo to be her daughter’s godmother.
Teresa and Joe held the party after Audriana’s christening at The Brownstone. Remember back when Caroline Manzo and Teresa were friends? Alas, those were simpler times.
This party was more like a wedding. There was a cocktail hour and a sit-down dinner for 200 guests. There was an ice sculpture spelling out Audriana’s name and one in the shape of a cross.
Dina, who was an event planner, also added some fabulous touches. For instance, Marie Antoinette was standing in the center of a table, serving sushi selection from her skirt. Is that hygienic? Moving on.
Teresa and Juicy even had a first dance with Audriana, moving many guests to tears. I’m pretty sure that Juicy had the same reaction when he looked at the bill.
Joey Gorga’s christening- Season 3
First off, Melissa and Joe Gorga were annoyed that his sister, Teresa, was late to the church, and Juicy didn’t attend at all. Juicy had stomach issues but rallied to go to the party.
The 150 guests dined on a buffet featuring lobster. Joey’s christening was similar to Audriana’s christening, but a little less grandiose. Ice sculptures and photos and paintings of baby Joey decorated the room. The tree branches on the tables were adorned with crystals. These feuding sisters-in-law, Melissa and Teresa, had one common trait: their love of bling. The more glitter and crystals, the better!
Guests enjoyed drinks, dinner, and dancing before the bitterness between the two families exploded. Unfortunately, a brawl broke out between Melissa’s husband, Joe, and Teresa’s husband, Juicy, ruining the event.
Melissa Gorga’s Christmas party – Season 3
The Gorgas held a low-key Christmas party at their home. Kidding! They paid approximately $50,000 to the party planner for this soiree. The purpose was to collect toys for a children’s hospital.
After the guests hit the step and repeat outside, they could gaze in wonder at the giant ice sculpture of Melissa and Joe. Inside, carolers serenaded the guests. The party also featured a casino with four gaming tables and a DJ on a balcony. And the winter wonderland of desserts looked decadent.
Danielle Staub’s Bachelorette Party – Season 9
When Danielle Staub prepared to wed her third husband, Marty Caffrey, she expected a dazzling and opulent bachelorette party. She gathered her bridesmaids, Margaret Josephs, Teresa, and Melissa together and listed all her demands. “I want people to pay attention to ME! When do I get to feel like THE BRIDE?!?” she yelled at her RHONJ co-stars.
The Roaring 20s-styled bachelorette extravaganza featured the bride-to-be being slowly lowered to the stage on a giant ring. Then the strippers gave Danielle a lap dance to remember, even flipping her upside down in her chair.
Page Six reported that Danielle felt that Margaret planned the party with “malicious intent.” Danielle said, “I was totally caught off guard by the male strippers and I felt like Margaret’s plans for the party crossed the line.” Well, the marriage didn’t last long and Marty and Danielle soon parted ways. But fans will always have this classy, classy event.
Jennifer Aydin’s anniversary party – Season 9
During Season 9 of RHONJ, Jennifer and her husband, Dr. Bill Aydin, planned a lavish party at their home to celebrate their 16th anniversary. Jennifer was known to brag about their home with its one million bathrooms, so you know she went all out.
The theme was red, so most of the ladies dressed in the color. Rented white sofas transformed the home. There were gaming tables, belly dancers, and hookahs. Guests dined on a delicious spread of various Turkish foods.
But there was an unexpected performance when Danielle’s husband Marty started to insult Margaret in front of her husband, Joe Benigno. It wasn’t long before the couple gave Marty a push and he landed in the pool. An iconic Jersey moment.
Teresa Giudice’s wedding to Luis Ruelas – Season 13
People reported that Teresa and Luis Ruelas tied the knot on August 6, 2022, at the Park Chateau Estate and Gardens. They said “I do” in front of 220 guests, which did not include her brother, Joe, or his wife, Melissa.
Teresa’s dress was a work of art. It was a custom-made blush mermaid gown by Mark Zunino Atelier. Teresa’s veil was embroidered with the words “sempre insieme.” The phrase means “always together” in Italian.
The train featured pearl and crystal embellishment, and the bride wore beaded white evening gloves. Her sky-high wedding hair cost $7,000 and put 1,500 bobby pins to work. It was certainly unique.
Bravo filmed a wedding special, Teresa Gets Married, highlighting the extravagant event. The food looked sensational, offering everything from macaroni and cheese to lobster. Beautiful florals were everywhere.
And guests were entertained by sword-swallowers and burlesque dancers. When Luis and Teresa started their first dance, a soft cloud of smoke rose from the floor.
This must easily be one of the most exorbitant weddings in Bravo history. No one does it quite like the Real Housewives of New Jersey crew, and these over-the-top celebrations are proof of that.
Real Housewives of New Jersey returns May 5 on Bravo.
TELL US – WHICH IS THE MOST OVER-THE-TOP REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY CELEBRATION? DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE EVENT?