1985 was a continuation of the pop music successes that defined the previous year. Artists such as Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Huey Lewis produced some hits that are very appropriate for wedding inclusion.

1985 Wedding Songs

Saving All My Love for You – Whitney Houston

Released in August 1985 on the album Whitney Houston

The incomparable Whitney Houston covered this hit originally performed by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. of the Fifth Dimension. Houston’s moving ballad is steeped in feelings of commitment, making it a perfect choice for those moments in your wedding ceremony that require music.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Though I’ve tried to resist being last on your list
But no other man’s gonna do
So I’m saving all my love for you

Broken Wings – Mr. Mister

Released in June 1985 on the album Welcome to the Real World

Mr. Mister was one of those one-hit-wonder bands of the 80s, with this song being the hit in question. “Broken Wings” is a poignant affirmation of love’s power to heal and produce change, and it is a nice tune for slow dancing.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Baby, it’s all I know
That you’re half of the flesh
And blood makes me whole
I need you so

What About Love – Heart

Released in June 1985 on the album Heart

Heart was known for those powerful rockers, but this song has a more laid-back vibe that works well for wedding receptions. It is a song that resonates with most people who understand how important lasting love is to happiness.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

What about love?
Don’t you want someone to care about you?
What about love?
Don’t let it slip away

I’ll Never Stop Loving You – Gary Morris

Released in July 1985 on the album Anything Goes

Gary Morris helped to redefine the sound of country music in the 1980s with a strong romantic ballad like this one. It can be used as a special song for the bride, perhaps at that moment before the wedding vows begin to be exchanged.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Just as sure as that Mississippi flows to the sea
I’ll run just as wild, love just as deep
I’ll never stop loving you

I Fell in Love Again Last Night – The Forester Sisters

Released in June 1985 on the album The Forester Sisters

The Forester Sisters made this the biggest hit of their career, perhaps because the lyrics are something most people can relate to. It reminds us that we should always be looking for new ways to fall in love with our forever partner.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

You’re the reason my heart keeps beating
And every morning it keeps repeating
I fell in love again last night

Be Near Me – ABC

Released in April 1985 on the album How to Be a … Zillionaire!

The simplicity of ABC’s lyrics in this 80s hit works well for couples that crave a purely musical expression of love during their wedding ceremony. It can be used as a part of the processional or for a special moment before the lighting of unity candles.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Never had that feeling
Until I first met you
Never felt like kneeling
Now I do

There’s No Way – Alabama

Released in January 1985 on the album 40-Hour Week

Those who appreciate country music will want to include Alabama’s “There’s No Way” in their wedding music choices. Every partner wants the one they have chosen to know that life would be incomplete without the love that is shared, and this song makes the emotions of your wedding day clear.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

If I had to survive without you in my life
I know I wouldn’t last a day, oh baby, there’s no way

You Are My Lady – Freddie Jackson

Released in August 1985 on the album Rock Me Tonight

The soulful tones of Freddie Jackson made this a smash R&B hit in 1985, and it still has a relevant sound. This is a song about the solemn devotion that a man feels for his bride on her special day.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

You are my lady (my love)
You’re everything I need and more
You are my lady
You’re all I’m living for

Say You, Say Me – Lionel Richie

Released in October 1985 on the album Dancing on the Ceiling

The message of this Lionel Richie tune from the film White Nights is togetherness, and that fits in wonderfully with wedding celebrations. It is a soft ballad that is sometimes used as a recessional while you and your partner exit the wedding ceremony.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Say you, say me it for always
That’s the way it should be
Say you, say me say it together

Cherish – Kool and The Gang

Released in May 1985 on the album Emergency

“Cherish” from Kool and The Gang has become an enduring R&B classic, and it’s a song that is often heard at 80s-themed wedding receptions. Everyone will be inspired to dance to the song while you share a tender moment with your one and only.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Cherish the love we have
We should cherish the life we live
Cherish the love

You Make Me Feel Like a Man – Ricky Skaggs

Released in August 1985 on the album Live in London

Songs from a groom to his bride are often overlooked on your wedding day, but this one by Ricky Skaggs at least merits a spot on the reception playlist. A few songs are needed during a wedding to reinforce the idea that this is meant to be the most special day of a young woman’s life.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Our love is higher than the sky
Our love, it fills me with emotion
I see forever in your eyes

Crazy For You – Madonna

Released in March 1985 on the album Vision Quest

This was just one of many hits that Madonna enjoyed during the 80s, and it was the love theme for the movie Vision Quest. The song works well for a first dance between the new bride and groom, but some couples have also played it as guests are being seated for the ceremony.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

It’s all brand new
You’ll feel it in my kiss
I’m crazy for you, crazy for you

Your Personal Touch – Evelyn “Champagne” King

Released in 1985 on the album A Long Time Coming

Evelyn “Champagne” King released this R&B tune for RCA in 1985. It has a traditional R&B vibe that plays well for wedding receptions, but it can also be used in other parts of the wedding ceremony.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Everything that you touch in my life
Just turns to gold
This is your love tonight
And forever that I want to hold

Have I Got a Deal For You – Reba McEntire

Released in June 1985 on the album Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is an artist who should be included in the wedding festivities of couples that prefer country music. This song is about faith in the promise that is made on your wedding day, an expression of commitment that is rewarded by taking a chance on love.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Have I got a deal for you
A heart that’s almost like brand new
And I’ll let it go so cheap
You’ll think you stole it ‘fore you’re through

Tender Love – Force MD’s

Released in December 1985 on the album Krush Groove and Chillin’

The Force MD’s hit all the right notes with this sweet ballad about young love. It should be used to create a special moment in the wedding ceremony that gives everyone the time to reflect on the sweetness of saying one’s wedding vows.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Love so tender
Holding me close to you
Baby I surrender

Greatest Love Of All – Whitney Houston

Released in August 1985 on the album Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston had so many hits in 1985 that it is almost impossible to exclude one from your wedding ceremony. Even though this one is a sentimental expression of love from a mother to an unborn child, it has been used as a focal point of wedding ceremonies by many couples.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself

The Power of Love – Huey Lewis & the News

Released in June 1985 on the album Back to the Future Soundtrack

Soundtracks are a big source of 1985 wedding songs, and this one from Back to the Future is certainly one of the most recognized of the year. Huey Lewis sings about all the ways that love conveys an almost magical ability to overcome the greatest obstacles.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

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

Heaven – Bryan Adams

Released in April 1985 on the album A Night in Heaven Soundtrack

Few songs can match the vivid romantic imagery of this classic by Bryan Adams. This is a song that can be played after the bride has made her entrance and joined the groom at the altar.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
Isn’t too hard to see
We’re in heaven

I’m the One Who Loves You – Ready for the World

Released in September 1985 on the album Ready For The World

Soul classics are frequently chosen for wedding receptions and dinners, and this one by Ready for the World was a chart-topper in 1985. It might be a little too much for use in the ceremony, but it works great as a special dance number for the new couple.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I’m the one who loves you
And I’m the one who cares

Until You Say You Love Me – Aretha Franklin

Released in January 1985 on the album Who’s Zoomin’ Who?

The Queen of Soul is a great addition to any wedding day playlist. Aretha Franklin sings about the desire that cannot be quenched when you have found the person you want to spend your life with.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I’m hurt and helpless inside a cold and empty shell, ooh boy
That’s where I’ll be
Until you say you love me

Can’t Stop Love – Maurice White

Released in 1985 on the album Stand By Me

Maurice White reminds everyone why love is so powerful with this soulful ballad. The heart chooses and we must follow, and once the spark of love is lit there is nothing that can extinguish it.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

Nothing they say can take away
The fire that’s in my heart
Baby, I need your warm embrace

Feel So Real – Steve Arrington

Released in 1985 on the album Dancin’ in the Key of Life

Steve Arrington might not be as familiar as some of the other names on this list, but the sincerity of his vocals invests this song with romantic power. Try it as an alternative to selections that are normally made for the first dance at the reception.

Lyrics To Inspire You:

I feel so real
I feel so real
And I owe it all to you

Tip

Next, see a list of the best 1986 wedding songs.

Celebrating wedding songs of 1985. Where were you and what was happening?

If you were one of the weddings in 1985

Congratulations on your wedding in 1985. You share your anniversary with the following events.

Music Highlights of 1985

Grammy’s Song of 1985: We Are The World – USA For Africa
Mr. Mister – Broken Wings
REO Speedwagon – Can’t Fight This Feeling
Wham! – Careless WhisperForeigner – I Want To Know What Love Is
Dire Straits – Money For Nothing
Huey Lewis & The News – The Power Of Love
Lionel Richie – Say You, Say Me
Tears For Fears – Shout
Starship – We Built This City
Starship – Sara
Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me)
Phil Collins – One More Night
Madonna – Crazy For You
Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
Wham! – Everything She Wants
Bryan Adams – Heaven
Paul Young – Every time You Go Away
Phil Collins – Sussudio
John Parr – St. Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)
A-Ha – Take On Me
Ready For The World – Oh Sheila
Whitney Houston – Saving All My Love For You
Jan Hammer – Miami Vice Theme
Stevie Wonder – Part-Time Lover
Phil Collins & Marilyn Martin – Separate Lives
Dionne Warwick & Friends – That’s What Friends Are For
Whitney Houston – How Will I Know
Mr. Mister – Kyrie

Celebrity Weddings of 1985

Hajna O. Moss married Laurence Fishburne
Joanne Fox married David Gahan
Madonna married Sean Penn
April Snipes married Wesley Snipes
Jayne Kennedy married Bill Overton

News Highlights of 1985

Coca-Cola announces a new formula. Mass protests and boycotts force the company to reintroduce the original formulation, now called Coke Classic. It quickly outsells the new Coke 10 to 1.
The baseball commissioner calls for drug testing for all non-union personnel and players.
Arab terrorists seize a TWA plane after takeoff from Athens and hold 39 Americans hostage for 17 days.
The Live Aid concert for African famine relief is held in Philadelphia and London.
After 73 years, French and American researchers find the Titanic in water 12,000 feet deep south of Newfoundland.
Cincinnati’s Pete Rose scores a career hit 4,192 beating Ty Cobb’s 57-year-old record.