Best 1988 Wedding Songs for a Groovy Kind of Love

1988 was filled with love songs by artists like Billy Ocean, Keith Whitley, and Cheap Trick. As the decade began drawing to a close its songs took on a more deeply romantic feel.

Here’s a list of the best 1988 wedding songs that you will want to include in your celebration of love.

1988 Wedding Songs

Best 1988 Wedding Songs

The Flame – Cheap Trick

Released in April 1988 on the album Lap of Luxury

Cheap Trick enjoyed a comeback in 1988 thanks to this soft rock ballad voiced by lead singer Robin Zander. The lyrics of the song bestow a promise that is suitable for your wedding ceremony, and many couples play this song right before taking their vows.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Whenever you need someone
To lay your heart and head upon
Remember, after the fire, after all the rain
I will be the flame

Baby, I Love Your Way/Freebird Medley – Will To Power

Released in November 1988 on the album Will to Power

Will to Power was a relatively unknown 80s band until they released this mashup of two popular 70s tunes. The songs complement one another in their lyrics and music, and the medley is sometimes used as a part of the wedding processional.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ooh baby I love your way every day
Ooh wanna tell you I love your way every day

Giving You the Best That I Got – Anita Baker

Released in September 1988 on the album Giving You the Best That I Got

This song from Anita Baker resonates with the appreciation that one partner feels for another. It has been used for the first dance between newly married couples, and the uplifting vibe suits the emotions that you will feel on your wedding day.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

We love so strong and so unselfishly
And I tell you now that I made a vow
I’m giving you the best that I got

When You Say Nothing At All – Keith Whitley

Released in August 1988 on the album Don’t Close Your Eyes

Keith Whitley was a country music legend whose life was cut short not long after this song was released in 1988.

The song has been used in thousands of wedding ceremonies, and the lyrics are meant to convey a sense of the unspoken connection that exists between partners.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

A touch of your hand says you’ll catch me if ever I fall
Yeah, you say it best
When you say nothing at all

I’ll Leave This World Loving You – Ricky Van Shelton

Released in August 1988 on the album Loving Proof

Marriage is about a lasting commitment, and Ricky Van Shelton nails the essence of forever love in this country ballad. Grooms have been known to use this song as a special dedication to their bride on a wedding day, and it also makes a nice dance tune.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You were mine for a time, and I’m thankful
Oh but life would be lonesome without you
If we never meet again, this side of heaven
I’ll leave this world loving you

The Colour of Love – Billy Ocean

Released in January 1988 on the album Tear Down These Walls

Every wedding needs a beautiful piece of music for the ceremony, and this soulful offering from Billy Ocean can make happy tears flow.

It’s a song about how love is something only those affected by it can truly explain, and it asserts that the experience has different meanings for everyone.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When I’m thinking of you
As a picture perfect painting
Of a love forever true

Any Love – Luther Vandross

Released in August 1988 on the album Any Love

When it comes to romantic music, many would claim that Luther Vandross defines the genre. He was at his best on songs like this one, and no one will be surprised when “Any Love” finds its way into your wedding ceremony as a musical interlude.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Everyone needs a love no doubt
Any love, Any love
Everybody feels alone without
Any love, any love

Saved by Love – Amy Grant

Released in 1988 on the album Lead Me On

Contemporary Christian artist Amy Grant understood how love can make one feel safe and protected. She sang about that very thing in this 1988 mainstream hit which is suitable for many portions of a wedding celebration.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Can’t imagine ever leaving now,
Now that she’s been saved by love

I’ll Always Love You – Taylor Dayne

Released in 1988 on the album Tell It to My Heart

Taylor Dayne was one of the most popular female artists of the 80s, and this hit remains popular on oldies stations today. It is a lyric-driven song that stresses the desire of a partner to love their new spouse for a lifetime.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You are my everything
Tell me who could ask for more
And I’ll always love you
Honey, this will never end

I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love – Chicago

Released in May 1988 on the album Chicago 19

As the 80s came to a close the band Chicago found itself without lead singer Peter Cetera, but they still managed to score a top hit with this power ballad.

It is probably a song that works best for wedding receptions, and it can also be used for the wedding day send-off.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I don’t want to live without your love
I don’t want to face the night alone
I could never make it through my life
If I had to make it on my own

Tip

See a list from the prior year with the popular 1987 wedding songs.

Make Me Lose Control – Eric Carmen

Released in May 1988 on the album The Best of Eric Carmen

Eric Carmen was still riding high from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack when he released this top 80s hit. There are few songs better suited for the first slow dance with your new spouse at the wedding reception, so claim the spotlight and revel in the glory of the day.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When I look in your eyes, I go crazy
Fever’s high with the lights down low
Take me over the edge
Make me lose control

One Good Woman – Peter Cetera

Released in 1988 on the album One More Story

A man’s life changes for the better on the day he weds his forever bride, and that’s exactly what this song from Peter Cetera emphasizes. Grooms will hit all the right notes when they surprise a bride with this one before the celebratory toasts are made.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You bring out the best in me
With love and understanding
Anytime I need some understanding
You are always there

Every Rose Has Its Thorn – Poison

Released in October 1988 on the album Open Up and Say… Ahh!

Poison is best known for this acoustic power ballad from 1988, a song that acknowledges that no love is without its ups and downs.

The real message here, however, is that you and your spouse can conquer whatever the future holds when you face each day together.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

But I wonder does he know
Has he ever felt like this
And I know that you’d be here right now
If I could have let you know somehow I guess

She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals

Released in December 1988 on the album The Raw & the Cooked

If you are looking for something on the funky side to spice up your wedding reception, spin this tune from Fine Young Cannibals. It’s a song that is guaranteed to get everyone up on their feet and focus lots of attention on the beautiful bride.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

She drives me crazy
Like no one else
She drives me crazy
And I can’t help myself

The Lover in Me – Sheena Easton

Released in October 1988 on the album The Lover in Me

Sheena Easton released this song when her music had taken a turn to the suggestive side, so you might want to save it for the waning hours of the wedding after-party. Everyone will appreciate the meaning as you and your partner prepare to depart for your honeymoon.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I can give you all the lovin’
But I gotta know that you’re there to receive
I can be your only woman
But I gotta feel that I’m all that you need

My Heart Can’t Tell You No – Rod Stewart

Released in September 1988 on the album Out of Order

This song by Rod Stewart was originally written for country artist Barbara Mandrell. It is a song that speaks of a sweet surrender to the one you love, and it indicates that nothing could stop you from giving your new spouse a lifetime of devotion.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I want to believe it’s true
So I let you in knowing tomorrow
I’m gonna wake up missing you

A Groovy Kind of Love – Phil Collins

Released in August 1988 on the album Buster Soundtrack

Phil Collins truly came into his own after he embarked upon an 80s solo career, and this song is a jewel of his recordings that is often overlooked. Couples that want to go non-traditional with their wedding ceremony can make this a part of the wedding recessional.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Wouldn’t you agree?
Baby, you and me
Got a groovy kind of love

If It Isn’t Love – New Edition

Released in June 1988 on the album Heart Break

New Edition introduced the world to Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, and other young stars who would go on to become legends of Hip Hop. This ballad from the boy band has a tender feel that goes well with many portions of a wedding celebration.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I told her I’d never fall in love
But now I know better

Strong Enough To Bend – Tanya Tucker

Released in June 1988 on the album Strong Enough to Bend

Some songs just capture everything that a wedding ceremony should represent, and this country ballad from Tanya Tucker is one of them. It speaks about how true love endures because two partners are willing to put individual needs aside to nurture each other’s personal growth.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

For years
We have stayed together
As lovers
And as friends
What we have
Will last forever

A Little Bit in Love – Patty Loveless

Released in June 1988 on the album If My Heart Had Windows

Patty Loveless was discovered by Dolly Parton, and this was just one of many hits Loveless had in the 80s. It’s a fun song that a bride will want to share with her groom, one that evokes all those glorious feelings that accompany love at first sight.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I let my guard down
And I can’t seem to leave you alone
I’ll get over it
I’m just a little bit in love with you

Deeper Than the Holler – Randy Travis

Released in November 1988 on the album Old 8×10

Randy Travis released a number of 80s songs that are used in weddings today, and this one is a simple declaration of love. It calls upcountry imagery to describe how much love a man has for his forever bride.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

So I had to sing this song
About all the things I knew
My love is deeper than the holler, stronger than the river

Tip

Next, see a list of the best 1989 wedding songs.

From the Word Go – Michael Martin Murphey

Released in December 1988 on the album River of Time

Sometimes you know right away that the person you have fallen in love with is the person you will marry. This song from Michael Martin Murphey might be a good choice if you want something a little different to play while you cut the wedding cake.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’d never been nowhere before now
All it took was a touch
To stop my heart and start love

Celebrating weddings of 1988. Where were you and what was happening?

If you were one of the wedding songs of 1988

Congratulations on your wedding of 1988. You share your anniversary with the following events.

Celebrity Weddings of 1988

  • Steve Vai married Pia Maiocco
  • Vince Neil married Sharise Ruddell
  • Alice Adair married Josh Brolin
  • Duff McKagan married Amanda Mandy Brixx
  • Steven Tyler wed Teresa Barrick

News Highlights of 1988

  • The nation endures a record-shattering heatwave and drought during the summer.
  • Vice President George Bush beats Michal Dukakis in a lackluster presidential race.
  • Three stranded whales in Point Barrow, Alaska, attracted international attention when both Soviet and American teams try to free them.

1988 Sports Champions

  • The Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series over the Oakland Athletics.
  • Super Bowl XXII – The Washington Redskins win their second Super Bowl 42-10 over the Denver Broncos.
  • The Los Angeles Lakers win the NBA Title over the Detroit Pistons.
  • The Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup over the Boston Bruins.

Music Highlights of 1988

  • Grammy’s Song of 1988: Don’t Worry, Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
  • Tiffany – Could’ve Been
  • George Michael – Faith
  • George Harrison – Got My Mind Set On You
  • Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth
  • Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up
  • George Michael – One More Try
  • Steve Winwood – Roll With It
  • Whitney Houston – So Emotional
  • Guns n’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine
  • Terence Trent D’Arby – Wishing Well
  • George Michael – Father Figure
  • Billy Ocean – Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car
  • Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror
  • Whitney Houston – Where Do Broken Hearts Go
  • Gloria Estefan & The Miami Sound Machine – Anything For You
  • Cheap Trick – The Flame
  • Debbie Gibson – Foolish Beat
  • Rick Astley – Together Forever
  • Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana
  • Richard Marx – Hold On To The Nights
  • DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Parents Just Don’t Understand
  • Def Leppard – Love Bites
  • UB40 – Red, Red Wine
  • The Escape Club – Wild Wild West
  • Will To Power – Baby, I Love Your Way
  • Bon Jovi – Bad Medicine
  • Phil Collins – Groovy Kind Of Love
  • The Beach Boys – Kokomo
  • Chicago – Look Away
  • Poison – Every Rose Has Its Thorn
  • Bobby Brown – My Prerogative
  • Paula Abdul – Straight Up
  • Sheriff – When I’m With You

Entertainment Highlights of 1988

  • Best Picture: The Last Emperor: Jeremy Thomas
  • Best Actor: Michael Douglas – Wall Street
  • Best Actress: Cher – Moonstruck

Top Television Shows

  • Cheers, The Cosby Show, A Different World, The Golden Girls, Growing Pains, Murder, She Wrote, Night Court, 60 Minutes, Who’s The Boss, The Wonder Years

Learn more about 1988 on Wikipedia. Thank you for visiting our page – wedding songs of 1988.

Have a favorite wedding song from 1988? Please share your song below in the comments.

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