18 Jersey Shore Theme Party Ideas That Will Make You Say “Aaawww Yeah”
Alanna Lawlor
Contributor
Are you ready to party like it's 2011? Whether you’re a fan of the show or just looking for a unique excuse to get your friends together, a Jersey Shore theme is the way to go. When Jersey Shore first premiered on MTV in 2009, it took the world by storm, becoming every reality TV fan’s favorite guilty pleasure. From their commitment to the GTL (gym, tan, and laundry) lifestyle to their outrageous antics, the cast provided six seasons of comic entertainment beloved by viewers worldwide.
We’ve come up with the ultimate party guide to help you revive the days of fist-pumping, muscle-toning, and bronzing like a golden god. From food and drinks to activities and decor, we’ve thought of everything you need to plan an unforgettable Jersey Shore themed bachelorette, birthday, or other special occasion. So, get ready to break out the hair gel, oil up those abs, and host a blowout that would make Snooki proud.
Keep reading to make your Jersey Shore theme party a big hit…
Beach Bum Photo Booth
A beach-themed photo booth offers the perfect opportunity for Jersey Shore party animals to capture their wild side on camera. All you have to do is set up an area resembling a cabana or lifeguard station, decorating it with surfboards, parasols, and other beachy props.
Once you are happy with your backdrop, start thinking about fun summer accessories like oversized sunglasses, straw hats, and maybe even a cardboard cutout of your favorite GTL enthusiast. After a night of cheesy posing, you can present your guests with digital souvenirs of the good times you shared, preserving everyone’s fresh to death looks.
Guido/Guidette Dress Code
If you’re serious about unleashing your Jersey Shore party potential, then a guido/guidette dress code is essential. For the guys, we’re talking ripped jeans, gold jewelry, and muscle shirts that fit tighter than Pauly D’s blowout.
Whatever ensemble you choose, the girls will be right next to you in bodycon dresses, animal print, voluminous hair, and stilettos higher than the Seaside Heights Ferris wheel. If you want to go the extra mile, why not install baskets of hairsprays, gels, perfumes, and body sprays in the restrooms for the ultimate party experience?
Tanning Station
Embody the GTL philosophy with a designated tanning station for bronzing those muscular limbs. If you’re hosting on the beach, why not provide a few lounge chairs and cover them in tropical-themed towels with sunsets or Hawaiian Hibiscus?
Alternatively, you could rent a sunbed from a local tanning salon, setting it up in a dry, shaded area near an electrical outlet. Or you can book a visit from a local spray tan business to turn everyone at your party into a bronzed babe. Whichever option you choose, make sure to provide high-SPF sunscreen, shaded areas, and water to protect your guests from sunburn and dehydration.
Pauly D DJ Booth
Let Pauly D inspire your DJ entertainment with the addition of flashy LEDs, kick-ass graffiti, and a super visible logo. You can hire a DJ from your local event company, requesting a playlist with Jersey Shore favorites like Katy Perry, Jay-Z, Flo Rida, and The Black Eyed Peas.
If you want to go the extra mile, you could create a custom DJ booth with weathered wood, renting a turntable, mics, and a PA system. Once those party anthems start blaring, you and your guests will be blasted back to the wild and carefree world of Jersey Shore.
Pickle Eating Contest
Nothing captures the spirit of the Jersey Shore like a humble pickle-eating contest Pickles, you ask? Hear us out! Vinegar-soaked vegetables are not only a crunchy, tangy, and refreshing beverage accompaniment, but a Jersey classic found all along their famous boardwalks. If you’re serious about paying homage to the outrageous antics of the Jersey crew, there’s no better way than competing to consume their signature bar snack, or making a few rounds of pickleback shots.
Pro Tip: If you really want to party, you can go the next step and transform the contest into a drinking game, taking a shot with every zesty bite. Just make sure you stay within your alcohol limits, keeping a clear head for all those magical times you will want to remember the next day.
Italian Feast
New Jersey has a long history of Italian immigration, so it follows suit that Italian cuisine reigns supreme on the boardwalk. Whether you’re celebrating on location or from a distance, dishes like chicken parmesan or pasta with meatballs will immerse you in the iconic Italian-American lifestyle.
Brave hosts could always whip up a few dishes from scratch, serving garlic bread and spaghetti as a foolproof accompaniment. Washed down with red wine, you and your guests will be merrily mingling on satisfied carb-filled bellies.
Boardwalk Snacks
Snacks are an essential part of any party, and it just so happens that the Jersey Shore boardwalk is famed for its sweet and savory treats. We’re talking funnel cakes, soft pretzels, cotton candy, and saltwater taffy that will take you back to your youth.
If you’re hosting from home, you could hire a catering team or food carts to serve a selection of these specialties from a decorative cart or van. The best part is they’re perfect for sharing, easy to serve, and guaranteed to light up your guests' faces.
Jersey Shore Seafood
A seafood feast is a must-have for foodies hosting a Jersey Shore themed party. Although challenging to prepare, it’s fresh and delicious, making it the perfect ingredient for showing off your refined palate and top-rated culinary skills.
We know what you’re thinking, and yes, seafood is messy to serve, but do not fear. If you plan ahead with napkins, wet wipes, disposable bibs, and bite-sized portions, your guests can grab and go, contributing to the carnival atmosphere.
Ron Ron Juice Bar
Get in character by serving a signature cocktail designed by the one and only Ronald Ortix-Magro Jr. The Ron Ron is an iconic beverage combining vodka, watermelon schnapps, cranberry juice, and a generous splash of pineapple juice. Offered in combination with other seaside favorites, it will sweeten your guests with an explosion of tropical flavors, submerging them in an authentic Jersey experience. If you'd rather have a professional mix up the Ron Ron, consider booking a bartender instead.
Pro Tip: Where there are cocktails, there should also be mocktails. Not everyone likes alcohol, and a true GTL treats their body like a temple, so get ahead of the game and make your menu inclusive. This also limits the number of people that will turn into a wastey-pants.
Watermelon Keg
A watermelon keg is a unique and refreshing method for serving drinks and making a showstopper impression. We can all agree that it sounds spectacular, but does it work, you might ask? It’s actually quite simple. A watermelon keg is a hollowed-out watermelon with a small hole carved in the bottom to insert a spigot or tap. Filled with anything from fruit punch to sangria, the sweet residue of the flesh adds fruity freshness, giving your drink a subtle summery flavor.
Jello Shots
If there’s one thing that Jersey Shore party people do better than tanning and fist-pumping, it’s jello shots. These wobbly little treats have been around for decades, are easy to make, and pack quite the punch. Made from melted jello with a splash of your choice of liquor or fruit juice, they are a fun and playful aperitif that also works as a dessert.
Shot Ski
Shot ski is more than a mere beverage; it’s a drinking game and a hilarious party-bonding experience that will bring you and your friends together in true Jersey Shore fashion. As the name suggests, it involves a ski modified with attached shot glasses, which everyone has to drink from simultaneously. Is it messy? Absolutely! And you can fully expect to get soaked, so come prepared.
If you want to play by the rules, you can drink on a count and eliminate anyone who doesn’t finish the contents of their glass. It sounds silly and will feel even sillier, but if you’re willing to go all in, you’ll have a story that lasts a lifetime.
Club Karma VIP Lounge
Fans of the TV show will know that Club Karma was the infamous nightclub in Seaside Heights where all the drama went down. It was where anything could happen, and everything did, which is just what you want for your big event. So find an appropriate space, and create an air of exclusivity with VIP ropes, champagne buckets, and a dance floor to break it all down. Disco balls and strobe lights are also a must, and a themed memorabilia display will complete the perfect aesthetic.
Giant Inflatable Props
If you’re hosting a Jersey Shore pool party, giant inflatable props are a natural addition, enhancing the general vibe. They’re fun, playful, and simple to source, adding a touch of seaside whimsy to your theme. On websites like Amazon, you can find everything from inflatable beach balls to palm trees and flamingos to spice up your party decor. The other great thing about inflatables is that they offer endless photo opportunities, giving you and your guests the perfect prop for Insta-worthy selfies.
Fist Pumping Contest
Die-hard fans of the TV show will know that true Jersey Shore-ians were born ready to fist pump, and so were you. Start by clearing space for a dance floor, designating a judge, and cranking up the party atmosphere with a playlist of sick beats. Once you’re all set, raise those fists, and pump for all you’re worth, channeling your inner Snooki or Pauly D. If you want to dial it up a notch, you can prepare fun prizes like mini bottles of hair gel, tanning lotion, or show memorabilia.
The Situation’s Ab Workout Challenge
Nothing screams Jersey Shore like a hardcore workout, and we all know The Situation, AKA Michael Sorrentino, is the master of abs. His workout videos can be found on YouTube and involve sit-ups, leg raises, and the mother of all spicy core exercises and planks. So grab your protein, set the timer, turn up the music, and put your guests to the test. The person who can last the longest is obviously the most authentic GT and should be crowned gym king or queen.
Beach Volleyball Tournament
Whether you’re a pro athlete or simply a fan of the sea breeze, a beach volleyball tournament will get your blood pumping and the endorphins flowing. You’ll need to choose a suitable location, set up courts, split your squad into teams, and provide sunscreen and refreshments to keep everyone safe and hydrated.
Once you’re set to go, grab your sunnies and turn up the volume on your boombox or portable stereo (a Bluetooth speaker will also do the trick). After, you can cool off in the sea, sip on an ice-cool beverage, and go wherever the night takes you.
Dirty Laundry Game
You should never air your dirty laundry unless you’re having a Jersey Shore-themed party, then it is 100% encouraged. But how does it work? It’s simple. Divide your guests into two or more teams and get each group to anonymously write down a secret about themselves they don’t want anyone else to know.
Once everyone has written something, whether it's an embarrassing fact or a funny anecdote, put all the secrets into a hat and take turns reading them out. The cathartic effect of sharing with others will loosen everyone up, and you’ll be laughing so hard that your abs will be on fire.
Find more party themes here on The Bash.
