20 Most Popular 80s Wedding Songs First Dance

Undoubtedly, the first dance as a married couple is one of the most memorable moments of the entire wedding celebration. And part of your wedding preparation is choosing a suitable song for this moment. 

Perhaps you decided to use 80s wedding songs for the first dance. Great taste! Songs from the 80s have the power to make moments like this magical and memorable. 

Nevertheless, this can be a daunting task owing to the many options out there. For this reason, we’ve carefully picked 20 popular 80s wedding songs for a couple’s first dance. Continue reading below.

Top 80s Wedding Songs First Dance

60s Wedding Songs

Check out these other best play list for a memorable wedding day:

1. Careless Whisper by George Michael

Best Lyrics: I’m never gonna dance again/The way I danced with you/Never without your love…

“Careless Whisper” has a seductive saxophone melody and emotional lyrics that evoke nostalgia, romance, and passion for love. It’s an 80s classic that’ll create a memorable moment of connection between newlyweds during the first dance.

2. The Promise by When In Rome (British Band)

Best Lyrics: If you need a friend/Don’t look to a stranger/You’ll know the end/I’ll always be there.

This popular 1988 hit by the British Band When In Rome is a captivating love song that reflects timeless romance. It establishes an intimate atmosphere for couples to share their special moments on the dance floor.

3. Eternal Flame by The Bangles

Best Lyrics: Am I only dreaming? Is this burning an eternal flame? I believe it’s meant to be, darling… 

This 1988 classic speaks of eternal love through its lyrics. And its melody creates an emotional atmosphere for the newlyweds to have their first dance.

4. Truly by Lionel Richie

Best Lyrics: And I feel with you in my arms/This love will last forever 

“Truly” by Lionel Richie is a popular 1982 love song that easily makes any moment feel romantic. This song will reflect a couple’s love and devotion during their first dance.

5. Take My Breath Away by Berlin (an American Band)

Best Lyrics: On this endless ocean, finally lovers know no shame…

This 1986 song by the American band, Berlin, still makes its way to our list owing to its captivating melody. It’s equally emotional, making it a good soundtrack for newlyweds to share their special moments on the dance floor.

6. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper 

Best Lyrics: If you’re lost, you can look and you will find me/Time after time/If you fall, I will catch you, I’ll be waiting/Time after time.

This is a popular 80s melody that beautifully expresses enduring love. As a wedding song, it reflects commitment and support between partners. And this relates well to wedding couples embarking on a lifelong journey together.

7. Endless Love by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie 

Best Lyrics: I’ll hold you close in my arms/I can’t resist your charms.

Endless Love by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie is an old gem that’s still relevant at weddings to date. It speaks of the joy of eternal love! And its gentle melody makes every first dance feel so romantic.

8. Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx

Best Lyrics: But in the end, if I’m with you/I’ll take the chance

Connect romantically with your partner during your first dances with this Richard Marx classic. It’s a popular one from the 80s that never fails to express the enduring love and commitment shared between couples.

9. Every Breath You Take by The Police

Best Lyrics: Oh, can’t you see/You belong to me? How my poor heart aches/With every step you take?

Every Breath You Take by The Police is a popular 80s hit that’s filled with a mesmerizing melody. It shows the eternal love and devotion between two people. For this reason, it creates an intimate feeling between couples during first dances.

10. Angel by Anita Baker

Best Lyrics: Dreams are dreams, some dreams come true/I found a real dream, baby, when I found you.

The early 1980s brought about this beauty of a song by Anita Baker. And since then, it has never stopped making weddings magical. It’s a 1983 love song for sharing a romantic first dance with your partner.

11. So Amazing by Luther Vandross

Best Lyrics: It’s so amazing to be loved/I’d follow you to the moon in the sky above.

Slow and soothing are words to describe this Luther Vandross love song. Its emotional vocals and lyrics beautifully capture the depth of love and create an intimate atmosphere on the dance floor. 

12. Sacrifice by Elton John

Best Lyrics: And it’s no sacrifice/Just a simple word/It’s two hearts living/In two separate worlds.

“Sacrifice” by Elton John is an 80s classic that expresses the depth of love and commitment between two individuals. For two individuals embarking on a lifelong journey together, this song will make your first dance memorable.

13. Could I Have This Dance by Anne Murray

Best Lyrics: As we swayed to the music, and held to each other/I fell in love with you.

As the 80s began, it began with this classic love song. It’s a popular one with a gentle and enchanting melody that expresses love in a romantic way. This is the kind of feeling you might want to incorporate into your first dance.

14. Faithfully by Journey

Best Lyrics: Two strangers learn to fall in love again, I get the joy of rediscovering you.

“Faithfully” by Journey beautifully reflects the unwavering commitment and devotion between two lovers. Hence, this love song from the 80s will make your first dance moments quite intimate and unforgettable.

15. The Lady In Red by Chris Deburgh

Best Lyrics: And I have never had such a feeling/Such a feeling of complete and utter love, as I do tonight…

Chris Deburgh’s “Lady in Red,” is a gentle melody that reflects romance and evokes nostalgic feelings. This 1986 love song sets a captivating atmosphere for couples to share a magical moment on the dance floor.

16. I Just Called to Say I Love You by Stevie Wonder

Best Lyrics: But what it is, is something true/Made up of these words that I must say to you/I just called to say I love you.

“I Just Called to Say I Love You” is known for its emotional lyrics and melody that express pure and enduring love. This 80s will help create never-ending memories of you dancing with your partner on the dance floor.

17. When I Fall in Love by Rick Astley

Best Lyrics: And the moment I can feel/That you feel that way too/Is when I fall in love with you.

Rick Astley’s “When I Fall in Love” speaks of an unfading romance between two lovers. With its deep melody, it sets a nostalgic and enchanting mood for couples to dance while celebrating their love.

18. Lost in Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson

Best Lyrics: I just fell, don’t know why/Something’s there we can’t deny/And when I first knew/Was when I first looked at you.

“Lost in Your Eyes” by Debbie Gibson is a captivating song from the 80s that pierces the heart with its emotional lyrics. It talks about the beautiful feelings of falling in love with someone. With little effort, it turns a first dance moment into a world of deep emotional connection.

19. You’re the Inspiration by Chicago

Best Lyrics: And I know, yes I know that it’s plain to see/So in love when we’re together.

“You’re the Inspiration” is a melodic song that expresses everlasting love. With this song, couples can express how much they mean to each other while having their first dance.

20. Waiting for a Girl Like You by Foreigner

Best Lyrics: There’s nowhere on earth that I’d rather be than holding you tenderly/I’ve been waiting for a girl like you to come into my life. 

This 1981 love song by Foreigner is all about the anticipation of finding true love. It’s perfect for a romantic dance that beautifully symbolizes the joyous union of two souls.

Conclusion 

With this comprehensive guide, you’ll find it easier than ever to choose a memorable and romantic track for your first dance. Whichever one you choose should resonate with your unique love story. This ensures your first dance as a couple will be an unforgettable one. 

Over the years, many enchanting wedding songs have emerged, but the songs of the 80s are just magical. And many popular classics from that era just match the moment couples have during their first dance at their weddings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What Was the Number One Wedding Song in the 80s? 

“Careless Whisper” by George Michael was a timeless ballad couples often used in the 80s. Released in 1984, this song earned its status as one of the most popular and iconic songs of all time. It remains a cherished choice for couples seeking to add a touch of ’80s charm and passion to their wedding day.

What Was the Number One Wedding Song in 1982?

In 1982, the number one wedding song was “Truly” by Lionel Richie. Its powerful expression of love made it a sought-after choice for the first dance of countless brides and grooms during the early 80s. That year, “Truly” achieved significant success, earning gold certification and leading on the Top 40 charts. 

Is “White Wedding” 80s?

Yes, it was released in 1982 as the second single from Billy Idol’s self-titled studio album “White Wedding”. Although it may not have been Idol’s most popular song, it’s gained widespread recognition as one of his most iconic tracks.

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