Popular 1980s Songs for Weddings
Top 100 for 2020
The 1980s were the decade of dance thirty-plus years ago. Disco became popular after the release of Saturday Night Fever in 1977. Hey, let’s face it — dancing was fun again. Whitney Houston wanted to dance with somebody, David Bowie raised the cry “Let’s Dance!” and we can’t forget about the “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats. After all, can we even be friends if you don’t dance?
“‘Cause your friends don’t dance and if they don’t dance well, they’re no friends of mine.” Ivan Doroschuk
Let’s Dance (At Your Wedding) with 1980s Songs
When we think of fun songs for a wedding reception, most of us think of the 1980s. Very similar to the era of the 1950s, thirty years earlier, the 80s was a post-war decade marked by prosperity. It was good to have fun again.
It’s common to hear a wide range of musical genres at your 80s theme wedding reception. One-hit wonders became a thing. Sometimes even the music video gave songs a chance to rise in popularity that wouldn’t have been considered otherwise.
- “Come on Eileen” – Dexys Midnight Runners (1982)
- “I Melt With You” – Modern English (1982)
- “Take on Me” – A-Ha (1984)
- “The Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats (1982)
- “Funkytown” – Lipps, Inc. (1980)
Danceable 80s playlists can include Aerosmith, Madonna, Run-DMC, Bobby Brown, and AC/DC at the same reception. These songs will get everyone, regardless of age, up and dancing.
Remember that when choosing music from any decade, you will stir up plenty of nostalgia. Even better is to pair these songs with a slideshow or display photos of you and your new spouse from the ’80s. This could include the bride and groom’s family — especially if you weren’t born yet.
Table of Contents:
- 1980s Wedding Songs
- 2000s Pop Wedding Songs Songs
- 2000s Rock Wedding Songs Songs
- 2000s R&B Wedding Songs Songs
- 2000s Hip Hop Wedding Songs Songs
- 2000s Country Wedding Songs Songs
- 2000s New Wave Wedding Songs Songs
- 2000s Disco Wedding Songs Songs
- 2000s Reggae Wedding Songs Songs
- 1980s Wedding Songs Spotify Playlist
- Questions about 1980s Songs
Let’s stop reminiscing and get to dancing – 80s style!
These are the best 1980s songs to get people on your wedding reception’s dance floor!
1980s wedding song list curated by Matthew Campbell
Last Updated: November 16, 2021
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Pop 1980s Wedding Songs
Walk Like An Egyptian – The Bangles
1989, Pop
When the buzzer rings (oh whey oh)
They’re walking like an Egyptian
(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life – Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
1987, Pop
I’ve had the time of my life
No, I never felt this way before
Hot Hot Hot – Buster Poindexter
1987, Pop
They come to the party know what they got
I’m hot – You’re hot – He’s hot – She’s hot
Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley
1987, Pop
Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
True Blue – Madonna
1986, Pop
True love
You’re the one I’m dreaming of
Prince – Kiss
1986, Pop
Ain’t no particular sign I’m more compatible with
I just want your extra time and your kiss
Katrina and the Waves – Walking On Sunshine
1985, Pop
‘Cause I just can’t wait till you write me you’re coming around
I’m walking on sunshine, whoa
Into the Groove – Madonna
1985, Pop
Get into the groove
Boy, you’ve got to prove
Your love to me
Take On Me – a-Ha
1984, Pop
You’re all the things I’ve got to remember
You’re shying away
I’ll be coming for you anyway
Thriller – Michael Jackson
1984, Pop
‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night
And no one’s gonna save you
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!
1984, Pop
Wake me up before you go-go
Don’t leave me hanging on like a yo-yo
Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
1983, Pop
Oh, when the workin’ day is done
Oh, girls
Girls just wanna have fun
Let’s Dance – David Bowie
1983, Pop
You could look into my eyes
Let’s sway
Under the moonlight, this serious moonlight
Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
1983, Pop
Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
Flashdance…What A Feeling – Irene Cara
1983, Pop
What a feeling
Being’s believin’
I can have it all, now I’m dancing for my life
1999 – Prince
1982, Pop
Two thousand zero zero party over, oops, out of time
(No, no)
So tonight I’m gonna party like it’s nineteen ninety-nine
You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
1980, Pop
Oh yeah, well, ’cause you (Ooh, ooh, ooh ooh ooh)
Mmm hmm, you make a-my dreams come true
New York, New York – Frank Sinatra
1980, Pop
If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere
It’s up to you, New York, New York
My Sharona – The Knack
1979, Pop
When you gonna give it to me, give it to me
It is just a matter of time Sharona
Rock With You – Michael Jackson
1979, Pop
I wanna rock with you (all night)
Dance you into day (sunlight)
Rock 1980s Wedding Songs
Love Shack – The B-52’s
1989, Rock
The love shack is a little old place where
We can get together
Love shack baby
Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard
1988, Rock
Pour some sugar on me
Ooh, in the name of love
Sweet Child o’ Mine – Guns N Roses
1988, Rock
Her hair reminds me of a warm safe place
Where as a child I’d hide
And pray for the thunder and the rain to quietly pass me by
Mony Mony – Billy Idol
1987, Rock
Don’t stop cookin’ ’cause I feel all right now, ehi!
But don’t stop now, come on Mony, come on, yeah
Need You Tonight – INXS
1987, Rock
I need you tonight
‘Cause I’m not sleepin’
There’s somethin’ about you, girl
Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
1986, Rock
Take my hand, we’ll make it I swear
Woah, livin’ on a prayer
The Lady In Red – Chris De Burgh
1986, Rock
And I have never had such a feeling,
Such a feeling of complete and utter love, as I do tonight
Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money
1986, Rock
Take me home tonight
I don’t want to let you go ’til you see the light
The Power Of Love – Huey Lewis and the News
1986, Rock
It’s strong and it’s sudden and it’s cruel sometimes
But it might just save your life
That’s the power of love
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
1981, Rock
Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Your Love – Outfield
1986, Rock
I just want to use your love tonight
I don’t want to lose your love tonight
You Can Call Me Al – Paul Simon
1986, Rock
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty, when you call me, you can call me Al
Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
1985, Rock
Those were the best days of my life
Back in the summer of ’69
Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen
1984, Rock
You can’t start a fire without a spark
This gun’s for hire
Even if we’re just dancing in the dark
I Want To Know What Love Is – Foreigner
1984, Rock
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
Footloose – Kenny Loggins
1984, Rock
C’mon, before we crack
Lose your blues
Everybody cut footloose
Uptown Girl – Billy Joel
1983, Rock
But maybe someday when my ship comes in
She’ll understand what kind of guy I’ve been
And then I’ll win
Total Eclipse Of The Heart – Bonnie Tyler
1983, Rock
We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
Faithfully – Journey
1983, Rock
And lovin’ a music man
Ain’t always what it’s supposed to be
Oh girl, you stand by me
I’m forever yours, faithfully
Jump – Van Halen
1983, Rock
White Wedding – Billy Idol
1982, Rock
It’s a nice day to start again
It’s a nice day for a white wedding
Electric Avenue – Eddy Grant
1982, Rock
Good God we gonna rock down to electric avenue
And then we’ll take it higher
Hurts So Good – John Cougar
1982, Rock
Sometimes love don’t feel like it should
You make it hurt so good
Jack & Diane – John Mellencamp
1982, Rock
A little ditty ’bout Jack & Diane
Two American kids growing up in the heart land
Somebody’s Baby – Jackson Browne
1982, Rock
She must be somebody’s baby
She’s got to be somebody’s baby ’cause she’s so fine
Rock This Town – Stray Cats
1982, Rock
We’re gonna rock till you drop
We’re gonna rock this town
Rock it inside out
Africa – Toto
1982, Rock
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
1982, Rock
They come runnin’ just as fast as they can
‘Cause every girl crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man
Centerfold – J. Geils Band
1981, Rock
My blood runs cold
My memory has just been sold
My angel is the centerfold
I Love Rock ‘N Roll – Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
1981, Rock
I love rock n’ roll
So come and take your time and dance with me
Under Pressure – Queen & David Bowie
1981, Rock
Why, why, why?
Love, love, love, love, love
Insanity laughs under pressure we’re breaking
Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
1981, Rock
I’ve been funny, I’ve been cool with the lines
Ain’t that the way love’s supposed to be?
867-5309 / Jenny – Tommy Tutone
1981, Rock
Jenny I’ve got your number
I need to make you mine
Jenny don’t change your number
Back In Black – AC/DC
1980, Rock
Yes, I’m back
Well, I’m back, back
Well, I’m back in black
You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
1980, Rock
And you shook me all night long
Yeah, you shook me all night long
Any Way You Want It – Journey
1980, Rock
Any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
1980, Rock
Hey I’m gonna get you too
Another one bites the dust
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
1979, Rock
This thing called love
I must get ’round to it
I ain’t ready
Crazy little thing called love
What I Like About You – The Romantics
1980, Rock
Keep on whispering in my ear
Tell me all the things that I wanna hear
‘Cause it’s true (that’s what I like about you)
R&B 1980s Wedding Songs
Working My Way Back To You – The Spinners
1979, R&B
I’ll keep working my way back to you, babe
With a burning love inside
Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car – Billy Ocean
1988, R&B
Get it while you can
Your non-stop miracle
I’m your man
My Prerogative – Bobby Brown
1988, R&B
No one can tell me what to do (it’s my prerogative)
‘Cause what I’m doing I’m doing for you
I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
1987, R&B
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me
Word Up! – Cameo
1986, R&B
Come on baby tell me what’s the word
Ah, word up
How Will I Know – Whitney Houston
1985, R&B
Wish I had you near me now, uh-huh
Said there’s no mistaking
What I feel is really love
Jump (For My Love) – The Pointer Sisters
1984, R&B
Jump for my love
Jump in and feel my touch
Jump if you want to taste my kisses
All Night Long (All Night) – Lionel Richie
1983, R&B
Come on and sing along
We’re going to Party, Liming, Fiesta, forever
Come on and sing my song!
Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye
1982, R&B
I want sexual healing
Sexual healing, oh baby
Makes me feel so fine
Get Down On It – Kool & The Gang
1981, R&B
Get down on it, get down on it, get down on it
Get down on it, when you’re dancin’
Endless Love – Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
1981, R&B
Two hearts
Two hearts that beat as one
Our lives have just begun
Super Freak – Rick James
1981, R&B
She’s super freaky, yow
Everybody sing
Super freak, super freak
Lovely One – The Jacksons
1980, R&B
You are my, you are my
You are my lovely one
Celebration – Kool & The Gang
1980, R&B
It’s time to come together
It’s up to you, what’s your pleasure
Everyone around the world, come on
Hip Hop 1980s Wedding Songs
Wild Thing – Tone-Loc
1989, Hip Hop
Wild thing
She wanna do the wild thing
Please baby baby please
Bust A Move – Young MC
1989, Hip Hop
Says she wanna dance ’cause she likes the groove
So come on, fatso, and just bust a move
It Takes Two – Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock
1988, Hip Hop
Stay away from me if you’re contagious
‘Cause I’m the winner, no, I’m not the loser
To be an M.C. is what I choose ‘a
Fight For Your Right – The Beastie Boys
1987, Hip Hop
Aw, mom you’re just jealous it’s the Beastie Boys
You gotta fight for your right to party
Push It – Salt ‘N Pepa
1987, Hip Hop
C’mon girls, let’s go show the guys that we know
How to become number one in a hot party show
Country 1980s Wedding Songs
Copperhead Road – Steve Earle
1988, Country
He was headed down to Knoxville with the weekly load
You could smell the whiskey burnin’ down Copperhead Road
Fishin’ In The Dark – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1987, Country
You and me go fishin’ in the dark
Lyin’ on our backs and countin’ the stars
Forever and Ever, Amen – Randy Travis
1987, Country
I’ll be happy to tell you again
I’m gonna love you forever and ever
You And I – Eddie Rabbitt & Crystal Gayle
1982, Country
We’ll build the dreams we treasure
And we’ll be alright
Just you and I
Lady – Kenny Rogers
1980, Country
I’ve waited for you for so long
Lady, your love’s the only love I need
New Wave 1980s Wedding Songs
Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung
1986, New Wave
Everybody have fun tonight
Everybody Wang Chung tonight
You Spin Me Round (Like A Record) – Dead Or Alive
1984, New Wave
You spin me right ’round, baby, right ’round
Like a record, baby, right ’round, ’round, ’round
Karma Chameleon – Culture Club
1983, New Wave
Loving would be easy if your colors were like my dreams
Red, gold, and green, red, gold, and green
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics
1983, New Wave
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
One Thing Leads To Another – The Fixx
1983, New Wave
You told me something wrong, I know I listen too long but then
One thing leads to another, yeah, yeah, yeah
Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
1982, New Wave
At this moment, you mean everything
You in that dress, my thoughts I confess
Verge on dirty
I Ran (So Far Away) – Flock Of Seagulls
1982, New Wave
And I ran, I ran so far away
I just ran, I ran all night and day
I couldn’t get away
The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats
1982, New Wave
We can dance, we can dance
Everybody’s taking the chance
Safety dance
I Melt With You – Modern English
1982, New Wave
There’s nothing you and I won’t do (let’s stop the world)
I’ll stop the world and melt with you
Call Me – Blondie
1980, New Wave
Call me (call me) my love
Call me, call me any, anytime
Whip It – Devo
1980, New Wave
When a problem comes along
You must whip it
Disco 1980s Wedding Songs
You Dropped A Bomb On Me – The Gap Band
1982, Disco
You turn me out, you turn me on
You turned me loose then you turned me wrong
You dropped a bomb on me
Let’s Groove – Earth, Wind & Fire
1981, Disco
Let this groove, light up your fuse, alright
Let this groove, set in your shoes
I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross
1980, Disco
I’m coming out
I’ve got to show the world
All that I wanna be
Funkytown – Lipps Inc.
1980, Disco
Gotta move on
Gotta move on
A-won’t you take me to Funkytown?
Reggae 1980s Wedding Songs
Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths
1989, Reggae
Come let me take you on a party ride
And I’ll teach you, teach you, teach you
I’ll teach you the electric slide
Red Red Wine – UB40
1983, Reggae
Red, red wine, stay close to me
Don’t let me be alone
It’s tearing apart my blue heart
Have a favorite 1980s wedding song, not on our list? Please share the song below so we can add it!
The Culture Shaped 1980s Songs
The 1980s was known for its historical events. The Berlin Wall came down and many eastern countries wanted freedom and the stuff that comes with it. Western countries were all about consumerism. Designer names and particular brand names became status symbols. Everyone was about themselves and greed. Heck — greed wasn’t even called greed! Advertising companies created buzzwords for the 1980s like yuppies and empty nesters.
As in previous years, music defined what is happening in the world. War protest songs were common in the 1940s with World War II and again in the 1970s with the Vietnam War. This holds true for the best 1980s music. With the beginning of music television in 1981, teens tuned-in on their TVs to watch music videos on MTV. Apropos to the start of MTV, the first video shown was “Video Killed The Radio Star” by the Buggles.
Similar song lists for further reading:
Prosperity Brings In-Home Tech and Comedy
In the 1980s, tech came inside every home. Atari was replaced by Nintendo and Super Mario Brothers. Hip hop blared on ghetto blasters while kids enjoyed watching and trying to breakdance. Fluorescent tops and parachute pant-clad teens wanted music wherever they were. Music became mobile in teen society with ghetto blasters and the invention of the Walkman by Sony. We sure didn’t know we’d have to wait twenty years for the iPod.
Teens were entertained at the movies with blockbuster hits such as E.T. – The Extra-Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Comedy clubs rose in popularity in the 1980s and late-night TV shows like Saturday Night Live became mainstream. Comedy didn’t stay on the silver screen or during late-night television. Family sitcoms like The Cosby Show, Roseanne, and Family Ties became dinnertime entertainment.
Other popular TV shows included Dallas, Falcon Crest, and Dynasty. Eighties teens were also obsessed with Cabbage Patch Kids, Pac Man, and the invention of the compact disc (CD). For the first time, sales of vinyl were outranked by another medium — CDs (1988).
1980s Songs Were Fundraisers
The ’80s were a time of prosperity, yes, but also disruption. The Challenger Space Shuttle exploded on live TV while we all watched in school, Prince Charles married Diana — a non-royal, and Apple Computer released the Macintosh.
The Eighties saw the end of the Iranian Hostage Crisis, fuel prices went back down, and prosperity dominated this decade. Songs became fun and companies and people focused their attention on the world.
We saw this with the USA for Africa’s “We are the World. Even concert festivals became fundraising platforms in the 1980s with events like Farm Aid, Band-Aid, and Live Aid.
Fun and Energetic Songs For Young And Old
The 1979 Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park in Chicago was the beginning of new music styles in the 1980s. Born from the punk rock style music were New Wave and Synthpop. Bands such as The B52’s, Duran Duran, and Culture Club are considered New Wave.
Sub-genres of rock in roll sprouted in the 1980s with glam rock, heavy metal, and thrash metal. We commonly refer to many rock bands of the Best 1980s Music as hair bands. Long hair was back and much longer than the “long hair bands” of our parents’ generation. Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, and Def Leppard were formidable 1980s mega-rock stars.
The change in music wasn’t limited to pop or rock. Rap quickly became mainstream and finally escaped urban centers. Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, and LL Cool J dominated the charts. In fact, Run-DMC was the first rap group to have an album become certified gold.
Hot New Songs Delivered Monthly!
My favorite decade of music of all time.
Hi Stephan. We totally agree but it fills dance floors. However, we have decided to replace the song!
How in God’s name do you think that ‘Tainted Love’ would be appropriate for a wedding??