1980s Wedding Songs: Neon Lights and Timeless Anthems

The 1980s provided some of the most enduring wedding songs in history. It was a decade where music videos on MTV made artists like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston global icons, and where a single drum fill or synthesizer hook could define a generation. Whether you want the sophisticated pop of Toto, the high-energy rock of Journey, or the soulful grooves of Luther Vandross, the 1980s offer a “top-tier” soundtrack for every part of your wedding day.

Essential 1980s Wedding Moments

• The Ultimate Sing-Along: “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. Released in 1981, this track is the undisputed king of wedding sing-alongs. Curiously, it didn’t hit #1 when it was released (peaking at #9), but its legacy has made it one of the most downloaded and played songs in history. It’s the perfect choice for your final song of the night.
• The Sophisticated First Dance: “Africa” by Toto. While it’s a massive internet favorite today, “Africa” was Toto’s only #1 hit back in 1982. Its “Phased Shuffled Groove” drum pattern makes it an instantly recognizable and surprisingly romantic choice for a spotlight dance or a mid-tempo cocktail hour favorite.
• The High-Energy Floor-Filler: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston. This 1987 smash hit is a mandatory wedding reception track. It topped the charts in 13 countries and won Whitney a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. It is the gold standard for getting every guest on the dance floor.
• The R&B Romance: “Here and Now” by Luther Vandross. Released in 1989, this song won Luther his first Grammy. It was specifically written to be a wedding song, and its heartfelt lyrics have made it a favorite for first dances for over three decades.

Expert DJ Tips for an 80s Set

• The “Phased” Drum Groove: When playing “Africa” by Toto, pay attention to the drum beat. It was created by Jeff Porcaro using a “Phased Shuffled Groove,” which is why it feels so deep and rhythmic compared to other pop tracks of the era.
• The Hip-Hop Crossover: If you want to introduce hip-hop to an older crowd, use “Walk This Way” (1986) by Run-D.M.C. featuring Aerosmith. It was one of the first rap-rock collaborations to achieve massive mainstream success, making it a “safe” bridge for various age groups.
• The Synth-Pop Transition: Use “Break My Stride” (1983) by Matthew Wilder for a lighthearted transition. It’s a great mid-tempo track that keeps the energy high without being overwhelming, perfect for the “bridge” between dinner and dancing.
• The “Wild Thing” Sample: If you play “Wild Thing” (1988) by Tone Loc, mention that it samples Van Halen’s “Jamie’s Cryin’.” It’s a great bit of trivia that connects the rock fans and the hip-hop fans in the room.

Our Music Planning Guides.

Don’t miss any moments of your wedding to incorporate your personality.

Shop Bookstore

Trending 1980s Wedding Songs

1. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
2. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
3. “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi
4. “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
5. “Love Shack” by B-52’s
6. “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
7. “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
8. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
9. “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
10. “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
11. “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams
12. “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
13. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
14. “Africa” by Toto
15. “(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
16. “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire
17. “It’s Tricky” by Run-DMC
18. “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield
19. “Electric Boogie” by Marcia Griffiths
20. “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley

Song Ideas by Vibe

Romantic Slow Dances

Plan a slow dance for all the couples to pack the dance floor with love birds.

• Endless Love – Lionel Richie, Diana Ross
• Faithfully – Journey
• Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
• I Want To Know What Love Is – Foreigner
• Lady – Kenny Rogers
• Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
• Somebody’s Baby – Jackson Browne
• Sweet Child o’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
• The Lady In Red – Chris De Burgh
• Total Eclipse Of The Heart – Bonnie Tyler
• You And I – Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle
• You And Me – Rockie Robbins

Upbeat Dance Hits

We all love the 80s for its great party music. Here are a few tried and true party hits!

• 1999 – Prince
• All Night Long (All Night) – Lionel Richie
• Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
• Bust A Move – Young MC
• Celebration – Kool & The Gang
• Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
• Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen
• Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths
• Footloose – Kenny Loggins
• Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
• I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
• Into the Groove – Madonna
• Let’s Dance – David Bowie
• Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire
• Love Shack – The B-52’s
• Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
• Push It – Salt ‘N Pepa
• Rock With You – Michael Jackson
• Super Freak – Rick James
• Take On Me – a-Ha
• Thriller – Michael Jackson
• Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
• Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
• Word Up! – Cameo
• You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon
• You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates

Rock & Roll Anthems

Enjoy a great list of songs that will have guests singing along and pumping their fists in the air!

• Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
• Any Way You Want It – Journey
• Back In Black – AC/DC
• Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
• Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
• Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
• I Love Rock ‘N Roll – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
• Jump – Van Halen
• Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
• Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard
• Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
• Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
• Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics
• Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money
• Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie
• You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
• You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) – Dead Or Alive

Fun & Quirky Tracks

If you are looking for unexpected party songs that guests have forgotten about or are fun party tunes, check out this proven list.

• 867-5309 / Jenny – Tommy Tutone
• Call Me – Blondie
• Centerfold – J. Geils Band
• Fishin’ In The Dark – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
• Flashdance…What A Feeling – Irene Cara
• Hot Hot Hot – Buster Poindexter
• I Melt With You – Modern English
• I Ran (So Far Away) – Flock Of Seagulls
• I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross
• Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
• Karma Chameleon – Culture Club
• My Prerogative – Bobby Brown
• Mony Mony – Billy Idol
• Rock This Town – Stray Cats
• Safety Dance – Men Without Hats
• Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!
• Walk Like An Egyptian – The Bangles
• Whip It – Devo
• White Wedding – Billy Idol
• Wild Thing – Tone-Loc
• Working My Way Back To You – The Spinners

Pop & New Wave Favorites

Enjoy a few tracks for weddings that are to set the mood for fun as guests arrive at the reception. A few can even be played during dancing.

• Africa – Toto
• Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant
• Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung
• Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car – Billy Ocean
• How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
• It Takes Two – Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
• Jump (For My Love) – The Pointer Sisters
• Lovely One – The Jacksons
• Need You Tonight – INXS
• One Thing Leads To Another – The Fixx
• Red Red Wine – UB40
• The Power Of Love – Huey Lewis and the News
• True Blue – Madonna
• Your Love – Outfield

Party & Crowd-Pleasers

If you are looking for a few guaranteed party hits for 80s music fans, this list of songs should be near the top.

• Celebration – Kool & The Gang
• Get Down On It – Kool & The Gang
• Hot Hot Hot – Buster Poindexter
• It Takes Two – Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
• Jump (For My Love) – The Pointer Sisters
• Rock This Town – Stray Cats
• You Dropped A Bomb On Me – The Gap Band

DJs! Plan 1980s Wedding Songs by BPM and Key

(Click on the Song, Artist, Key and BPM table columns for sorting)

*BPM and key pulled from SongData.io

Spotify 1980s Playlist

Have a favorite 1980s wedding song, not on my list?  Please share the song below so I can add it!