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 to ’80s music?

Quick Tips

When selecting 1980s songs for your wedding, you must consider the following 3 factors:

1. What is the tempo of the song to determine the style of dance?
2. What is the meaning of the song and is it appropriate for your wedding?
3. Does the song’s genre match the theme of your wedding?

As an experienced wedding DJ, I’ve assembled a list of popular 1980s songs to get people on the dance floor and for romance at your wedding! The list is grouped to match your taste in music.

Trending 1980s Wedding Songs

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” by Whitney Houston
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
“Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
“Love Shack” by B-52’s
“You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
“Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
“Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
“Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
“You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
“Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams
“Celebration” by Kool & The Gang
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
“Africa” by Toto
“(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
“Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire
“It’s Tricky” by Run-DMC
“Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield
“Electric Boogie” by Marcia Griffiths
“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

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

Tip

Next, read a list of 1980s love songs.

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