On the search for the best 80s wedding songs to add to your reception playlist? The 80s was the decade when everyone loved heavy metal, country music, hip hop, EDM, and the new wave.
This era was the time when some incredibly innovative genres became mainstream, with influence from the past and the potential to impact the future. 80’s music is still our favorite, and people getting married may want to use 80s songs as their wedding music!

For them, I have a wonderful list of songs below!
Check: Best 90s Dance Songs
80’s Wedding Songs List
80s songs have a classic, retro touch that we all love – and the songs can be the perfect choice to set the mood at your wedding reception. Be it at the dance floor, the wedding ceremony, or the wedding party – there’s something for you to pick for every event on your wedding day from the amazing songs of the 80s.
So check out my suggestions and make your own wedding playlist for the D-day!
- “What I Like About You“ – The Romantics
- “Push It” – Salt & Pepa
- “Mony Mony” – Billy Idol
- “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
- “Let’s Groove” – Earth, Wind & Fire
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
- “Mickey” -Toni Basil
- “Just Like Heaven” – The Cure
- “Alone” – Heart
- “Rio” – Duran Duran
- “Your Love” -The Outfield
- “Let’s Go All The Way” – Sly Fox
- “The Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats
- “Take Me Home Tonight” – Eddie Money
- “Everybody Have Fun Tonight” – Wang Chung
- “Talk Dirty” – Poison
- “Summer Of ’69” – Bryan Adams
- “Karma Chameleon” – Culture Club
- “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” – Dead Or Alive
- “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper
- “Don’t Stop Believin” – Journey
- “Catch Me I’m Falling” – Pretty Poison
Check: Popular 70s Songs
80’s Wedding Songs for Parties
For the wedding party, you can still go back to the 80s and pick the song of your choice to be played by the wedding DJs. Whether you want some fun songs or upbeat romantic numbers – the choices are many and you will not disappoint your guests with 80’s songs!
So, I have curated a list of songs from that decade to help you take your pick and curate your own wedding playlist for the parties.
- “Holiday” – Madonna
- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” – Wham
- “Pour Some Sugar On Me” – Def Leppard
- “Funkytown” – Pseudo Echo
- “Walk This Way” – Run DMC
- “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
- “Like A Prayer” – Madonna
- “You Make My Dreams Come True” – Hall & Oates
- “Word Up’ – Cameo
- “Dancing In The Dark” – Bruce Springsteen
- “The Power Of Love” – Huey Lewis & The News
- “Let The Music Play” – Shannon
- “Another One Bites The Dust” – Queen
- “Baby Don’t Forget My Number” – Milli Vanilli
Best 80s Slow Dance Songs
The first dance is a beautiful moment during any wedding ceremony – and it is going to be the moment that you will remember and cherish forever. If you do not have a specific song on your mind, an 80s wedding song might be able to save the day for you and move everyone to tears!
Check out my list of romantic love songs for weddings that will make the perfect setting on the floor – and get your own dance song ideas!
- “Time After Time” – Cyndi Lauper
- “Take My Breath Away” – Berlin
- “Faithfully” – Journey
- “Purple Rain” – Prince
- “True” – Spandau Ballet
- “Lady In Red”– Chris de Burgh
- “Crazy For You” – Madonna
- ‘’Endless Love” – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
- “Glory of Love” – Peter Cetera
- “One More Night” – Phil Collins
80’s Best Hip Hop Songs
There’s something about hip hop music that we all love – with all the groove, beats, and fun! If you love hip hop and would like to incorporate some of the songs from the 80s into your wedding, you don’t need to worry about what the guests or your family might think!
We have a list of 80’s hip hop songs that will set the mood for your wedding, especially the wedding party – and will make everyone enjoy!
- “It’s Tricky” – RUN DMC
- “The Message” – Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
- “Microphone Fiend” – Eric B & Rakim
- “Set It Off” – Big Daddy Kane
- “My Philosophy” – Boogie Down Productions
- “I Ain’t No Joke” – Eric B & Rakim
- “South Bronx” – Boogie Down Productions
- “Top Billin’ ” – Audio Two
- “The Breaks” – Kurtis Blow
- “I’m Bad” – LL Cool J
- “6 N The Morning” – Ice T
- “Paul Revere” – Beastie Boys
- “Don’t Believe The Hype”– Public Enemy
- “Paid In Full” – Eric B & Rakim
- “Body Rock” – The Treacherous Three
Best 80s Dance Songs For Weddings – Top 20 List
You will also like these other hot wedding songs posts for the ultimate play list on your big day:
- Last Songs at Weddings to Perfectly End Your Special Day
- Piano Songs for Wedding Ceremonies
- Prelude Songs for Wedding Ceremonies
Now, let’s dive into some truly exceptional 80s music! Brace yourself, as you’ll find an abundance of Whitney Houston – the undisputed Queen of 80s Romance Ballads – among our top picks. Without further delay, let’s unveil our carefully curated list of the top 20 songs that will undoubtedly make your heart soar.
1. “Love Shack” by The B-52s
Memorable lyrics: /The love shack is a little old place where/ We can get together/
If you are looking for an upbeat wedding song that you can jig to with your bride or groom, this is it. This song made the band a household name in the 80s, and it will almost certainly bring back fond memories on the dance floor for more than a few guests.
2. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
Memorable lyrics: /Still enough time to figure out/ How to chase my blues away
This is a great song for beckoning guests onto the dance floor. Fun fact: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle turned up to this song on their first dance, and trying it out on your special day will show you why.
3. “Endless Love” by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
Memorable lyrics: /My love/ There’s only you in my life/
This is one of those classics for a memorable slow first dance, and it’s the stuff that goes on to become ‘our song.’ Sway gently with your partner to this passionate work of art by two timeless artists.
4. Lovesong by The Cure
Memorable lyrics: / Whenever I’m alone with you/ You make me feel like I am home again/
If you enjoy gothic rock, especially The Cure, then you will absolutely love this song. It’s upbeat and just the right number for a hearty, hand-in-hand dance.
5. “How Deep Is Your Love” by The Bee Gees
Memorable lyrics: /And it’s me you need to show/ How deep is your love?/
This is one of those songs that brings out the vocalist in you with its simple yet profound lyrics and slow tempo. It’s the perfect song for anything from bridal entrances to preludes or first dances.
6. “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” by Christopher Cross
Memorable lyrics: /The best that you can do is fall in love/
Perfect song for a bridal entrance or romantic and passionate first dance? This lighthearted, slow-tempo number is it; you will also find that it resonates especially with New Yorkers in the audience.
7. “Crazy for You” by Madonna
Memorable lyrics: /You’ll feel it in my kiss/ I’m crazy for you, crazy for you/
Madonna passionately communicates the sentiment of the day. It’s a declaration from one heart to another and a great song for your first dance. You might find you can’t resist vocalizing along.
8. “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston
Memorable lyrics: /How will I know if he really loves me?/ I say a prayer with every heartbeat/
This is an upbeat song about falling in love and wondering, as we all have, if the other person feels the same. It’s a timeless wedding dance floor song that neither you nor your guests will be able to resist.
9. “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson
Memorable lyrics: /I swear I’m keepin’ you satisfied/ ‘Cause you’re the one for me/
We’d be remiss to do a list of 80s songs for wedding occasions without mentioning this timeless masterpiece from the King of Pop himself. It has the get-on-your-feet vibe while retaining the romance.
10. “Stay” by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs
Memorable lyrics: /Won’t you place your sweet lips to mine/ Won’t you say you love me all the time/
This song brings back all the fun memories of dating, from when you had to leave in the morning, and every extra moment spent together was precious.
11. “Higher Love” by Whitney Houston
Memorable lyrics: / There must be a higher love/Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above/
This cover of Steve Winwood’s song of the same title featured as a bonus track on the Japanese release of Whitney’s album, ‘I’m Your Baby Tonight.’ You might use it as a wedding march song for an upbeat, 80s-themed wedding.
12. “Woman” by John Lennon
Memorable lyrics: / Hold me close to your heart/ However distant, don’t keep us apart
This number displays John Lennon’s legendary knack for conveying everyone’s sentiments and conversations mixed in with lots of profound lyrics.
13. “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
Memorable lyrics: /Sounded sad upon the radio/ Moved a million hearts in mono/
There are many versions of this famous song that you can try, but you definitely want the original version by Dexy’s Midnight Runners for your first dance.
14. “Glory of Love” – Peter Cetera
Memorable lyrics: / I’ll be the hero you’ve been dreaming of/ We’ll live forever/
In his marvelous voice, Peter Cetera expresses the meaning of marriage in this splendid first dance song.
15. “Only You” by Yazoo
Memorable lyrics: / All I needed was the love you gave/ All I needed for another day/
This is a splendid number for a prelude playlist; it is a song to remind us that in the end, what we need is love.
16. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Michael Bolton
Memorable lyrics: / When a man loves a woman/ Can’t keep his mind on nothin’ else/
The declaration of love may come in the form of a whisper; and other times, it comes in the form of a bold declaration on a marvelous Michael Bolton wedding march song. Michael expresses the sentiment of being willing to give the world for the woman you love.
17. “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen
Memorable lyrics: / This thing called love/ I just can’t handle it/
Let the strong beats of Queen rock the night and beckon all to the dance floor. With the fast tempo and strong guitar element of this song, it’s hard to resist moving your body, an echo of the song’s lyrics expressing the fact that love can be overwhelming and hard to resist.
18. “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross
Memorable lyrics: / I can’t fool myself, I don’t want nobody else to ever love me/
In another class wedding dance song, Luther Vandross’ electrifying voice reminds us that there are many ways to love someone, and it’s never too much to express that feeling. It’s also a perfect prelude song for an 80s-themed wedding.
19. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Memorable lyrics: / And I’m wishing you joy and happiness/But above all this, I wish you love/ And I will always love you/
More Whitney for the timeless romantic first dance ballads. There’s no voice like Whitney’s to convey the sentiment of eternal love, and this song will have you in tears before you know it.
Fun fact: the song was originally composed by none other than Dolly Parton herself, and you can absolutely try her version.
20. “The Best” by Tina Turner
Memorable lyrics: / “Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams/ Speak the language of love like you know what it means/
This song is electric and unforgettable—the kind that every playlist must have at least one of. What Tina Turner gives us in this song is simply the perfect wedding reception anthem.
How to Find the Right 80s DJ for Your Wedding
Ladies and gentlemen, the search for the perfect DJ for your wedding is a daunting task. You want someone who can keep the dance floor packed all night long, but you also want someone who can play the perfect 80s music to transport you and your guests back to the glory days of neon, big hair, and shoulder pads.
But fear not, my friends, because I am here to guide you on your quest to find the ultimate 80s DJ for your nuptials.
First things first, you want to find a DJ who not only has a vast knowledge of 80s music but also has an 80s persona to match. This means they should be rocking a killer mullet, a pair of aviators, and possibly even a neon-colored suit. After all, you want your DJ to look the part, and nothing screams 80s more than a good old fashioned mullet.
Next, you want to look for a DJ who is not only experienced but also versatile. You want someone who can play all the classic 80s hits but also knows how to mix it up with some lesser-known gems. After all, you don’t want to end up with a DJ who only plays the same old tired 80s hits that you’ve heard a million times before.
It’s also important to find a DJ who is willing to work with you to create the perfect playlist for your wedding.
A good DJ will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your musical preferences and help you create the perfect playlist for your special day. This will ensure that the music played at your wedding is a reflection of you and your partner’s tastes and will make for a more personalized and memorable experience for you and your guests.
Another important factor to consider when looking for the perfect 80s DJ is their equipment. You want to make sure that the DJ you choose has top-of-the-line equipment that is sure to keep the party going all night long. This means looking for a DJ with high-quality speakers, a powerful mixer, and a large collection of 80s music to keep the dance floor packed.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the DJ’s references and reviews. It’s important to get an idea of the DJ’s previous experiences and how they have performed at other events. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the DJ and will help you make an informed decision on whether or not they are the right fit for your wedding.
At the end of the day, finding the perfect 80s DJ for your wedding is not as difficult as it may seem. By looking for a DJ with an 80s persona, versatility, a willingness to work with you, top-notch equipment, and good references, you can ensure that your wedding will be a night to remember for you and your guests. So, put on your dancing shoes, turn up the volume, and get ready to party like it’s 1989!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now you have a long list of incredibly memorable songs from the 80s to set the mood and the theme at your wedding. I am sure you will find the right song here. But if you still have questions about choosing the perfect 80’s songs for your wedding, I might have the answer! Take a look at the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing 80’s music for your wedding ceremony!
What were the biggest hit songs of the 80s?
The 80s gave us some amazing songs, and the hits during that decade are still fresh in our memories. The biggest hits of that era include songs like Call Me by Blondie, Another Brick In the Wall by Pink Floyd,
Magic by Olivia Newton-John, and more!
Which 80s song is still the most requested at US weddings?
The magic of 80’s music is such that even today, songs of that decade are requested to be played by wedding DJs. Some of the most commonly requested songs include Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, Kenny Loggins’ Footloose, etc.
What was the number 1 song of the 80s?
The top-charting songs of the 80s are popular even today – and are played everywhere, even at wedding parties and ceremonies. The top songs of the decade include Please Don’t Go (KC and the Sunshine Band), The Tide Is High (Blondie), Down Under (Men at Work), etc.
What is a good 80’s song to walk down the aisle to?
If you’re looking for 80’s songs to which you can walk down the aisle, there are plenty of options available for you. You can go with songs like White Wedding by Billy Idol, Uptown Girl by Billy Joel, My Prerogative by Bobby Brown, and many more, to set the mood at the event.
What are some 80s wedding love songs?
If you are looking for wedding songs from the 80s to set the theme for your big day, there are many beautiful tracks to choose from. You can go with True by Spandau Ballet, Take On Me by Aha, Endless Love by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross, and many more.
What are some of the best 80s wedding songs for the first dance?
Choosing an 80’s song for your first dance with your partner at the wedding is an excellent choice. There are many options for you to choose from, such as Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper); Faithfully (Journey), Purple Rain (Prince); Your Love (The Outfield), and many more!
What is the #1 wedding song from the 80s?
Wedding songs from the 80s can be ideal for wedding ceremonies, even today. You can go with songs like The Promise by When In Rome, Eternal Flame by The Bangles, Endless Love by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie, Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx, and more.
What is the best 80’s song for the mother-son dance at the wedding?
The mother-son dance is one of the most beautiful moments at a wedding ceremony. Some of the best 80’s songs for this moment are You Are The Sunshine Of My Life by Stevie Wonder, Mama Hold My Hand Aloe Blacc, Hero by Mariah Carey, Stand by Me by Ben E. King, etc. Check our complete list of songs for mother son dance.
What is the best 80’s song for the father-daughter dance at the wedding?
The father-daughter dance is an emotional moment that brings tears to the eyes of everyone present. For this dance, the perfect 80’s songs can be Sweet Child O’Mine by Guns N’ Roses, Teach Your Children by Crosby Stills Nash & Young, You’re My Best Friend by Queen, etc.
What are the best 80’s hip hop songs for weddings?
Hip hop is a genre that was mainstream during the 80s, and the groove and rhythm make hip hop songs popular for wedding ceremonies. You can pick songs like The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Microphone Fiend by Eric B & Rakim, My Philosophy by Boogie Down Productions, etc.
Final Words
When it comes to the wedding day, the songs you play will make a great impact, whether you want the perfect song during cake-cutting or the ideal mother-son dance songs on the dance floor. 80’s music can make the ideal wedding song list for the most memorable day of your life. We hope that we’ve been able to provide you with a list of popular wedding songs from the 80s, which has the songs you’re looking for!
What are your favorite 80s wedding songs? Let us know in the comments below!
Andreea is a very passionate content creator and her purpose is to provide you with the most interesting articles, while constantly discovering new facts. She’s been freelance writing for the past five years and has created numerous articles and educational materials while managing her own blog.