Top 1981 Wedding Songs You Make My Dreams Come True

1981 was an amazing year for wedding songs. The year was filled with songs by Lionel Richie, Journey, Alabama, and other artists who would define one of the most powerful musical decades.

Here are the 1981 wedding songs that you will want to add to your celebration of love.

wedding songs list of 1981

Best 1981 Wedding Songs

Endless Love – Lionel Richie and Diana Ross

Released in August 1981 on the album Endless Love Soundtrack

This duet by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross has become a staple of wedding ceremonies. It is most often played right before the bride and groom take their solemn vows as an affirmation of commitment and devotion.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You mean the would to me
I know I know
I’ve found, I’ve found in you
My endless love

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – The Police

Released in November 1981 on the album Ghost in the Machine

Try including this song in your 80s-themed wedding reception to get everyone up on their feet. This upbeat love song by The Police offers a great message from the groom to the blushing bride.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Every little thing she does is magic
Everything she do just turns me on
Even though my life before was tragic
Now I know my love for her goes on

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

Released in June 1981 on the album Escape

Journey’s feel-good classic sums up the feeling shared by two lovers as they begin a life together. It is a song of hope and the determination to overcome all obstacles with the power of love.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Don’t stop believin’
Hold on to that feelin’
Streetlight, people

Lady (You Bring Me Up) – The Commodores

Released in June 1981 on the album In the Pocket

“Lady” is a beautiful song for the groom to dedicate to his bride on his wedding day. The Commodores hit can be played before the vows, and it also works very well for a first dance for the wedding couple.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Lady
You bring me up when I’m down
Maybe
You’re gonna change my life around

Feels So Right – Alabama

Released in February 1981 on the album Feels So Right

If country music is your preference, this ballad by Alabama is a perfect wedding dance tune. It reflects that perfect feeling that you’ve known since finding your soul mate.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Promise me you’ll stay with me and keep me warm tonight
So hold me close and love me, give my heart a smile

Waiting for a Girl Like You – Foreigner

Released in October 1981 on the album 4

Did you often feel as if you would wander forever without finding true love? When you hear this Foreigner song on the wedding day you will know that your waiting was not in vain and that all your travels only served to bring you to this moment at the altar.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I’ve been waiting for a girl like you to come into my life
I’ve been waiting for a girl like you, your loving will survive

Hold On Tight – Electric Light Orchestra

Released in July 1981 on the album Time

Electric Light Orchestra scored a huge hit with this song in 1981, and it fits the vibe that you will want to create for a wedding reception inspired by the ’80s. The song reminds us to be grateful for never giving up on the pursuit of happiness.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When you see the shadows falling
When you hear that cold wind calling
Hold on tight to your dream

Slow Hand – The Pointer Sisters

Released in May 1981 on the album Black & White

Who can forget this smash hit from the Pointer Sisters? The bride will want to slow dance with her forever partner while this song asserts all the qualities she’s found in the man she married.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

You want a man with a slow hand
You want a lover with an easy touch
You want somebody who will spend some time

Woman – John Lennon

Released in January 1981 on the album Double Fantasy

“Woman” was the first song by John Lennon that was released after the artist’s tragic death. It is a beautiful ballad that expresses how a man is made complete by the woman that he has chosen to love forever.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Hold me close to your heart
However distant, don’t keep us apart
After all it is written in the stars

The One That You Love – Air Supply

Released in April 1981 on the album The One That You Love

Air Supply contributed some of the best love songs to the ’80s, and this hit is one of their finest. Many couples have used it to enter the reception following their wedding vows, but it can also be used as a non-traditional recessional.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Here I am
The one that you love
Askin’ for another day
Understand the one that you love
Loves you in so many ways

Tip

See a list from the prior year with the popular 1980 wedding songs.

You Make My Dreams – Hall and Oates

Released in May 1981 on the album Voices

This 1981 song by Hall and Oates was featured in The Wedding Singer, and it is often found on the wedding reception playlist of couples who want a fun throwback to the ’80s. Sometimes you just want to dance to a fun tune that captures all the emotions of the day.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ah you
Yeah a-yeah, you make a-my dreams come true

Step by Step – Eddie Rabbitt

Released in July 1981 on the album Step by Step

Remind your wedding guests of all the things he did to win your heart with this country song by Eddie Rabbitt. It will also remind you of how much effort your new husband invests in loving you as you deserve to be loved.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Don’t you know that step by step, step by step
You’ll win her love

For Your Eyes Only – Sheena Easton

Released in August 1981 on the album For Your Eyes Only Soundtrack

Sheena Easton’s sweet and subtle vocals on this 1981 hit are perfectly suited for the very beginning of your wedding. It can be played as guests are seated by your wedding ushers.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

For your eyes only, the nights are never cold
You really know me, that’s all I need to know

Sweet Baby – Stanley Clarke

Released in 1981 on the album The Clarke/Duke Project

This beautiful jazz song from Stanley Clarke and George Duke is a nice change of pace for the wedding reception. It can be used to precede the wedding toast or the cutting of the wedding cake.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Ever always been captured by your smile, sweet baby
I will always be right there by your side
Right by your side

Sweetheart – Franke and the Knockouts

Released in March 1981 on the album Franke & the Knockouts

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Sweetheart
Who loved you from the start
Yeah, baby
Who treats you like a star

The ’80s was a decade filled with one-hit wonders, and Franke and the Knockouts joined that class with this song. It’s as pure as they come with the synthesizers and harmonies that define 80’s hits, and the song merits a place on the reception playlist.

How ‘Bout Us – Champaign

Released in January 1981 on the album How ‘Bout Us

Those who prefer R&B classics from the ’80s can easily work this song into a wedding celebration. Let it play during the seating period or as the wedding party precedes the bride to the altar.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Some people are made for each other
Some people can love one another for life, how ’bout us?

I Love You – Climax Blues Band

Released in February 1981 on the album Flying the Flag

This simple declaration of your feelings is a song that the bride and groom can dedicate to one another as they stand before the altar. It was a hit for the Climax Blues Band, and the lyrics are still relevant for a new generation of lovers.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Thank you, babe, for being a friend
And shining your light in my life
‘Cause, oh, I need you

Rapture – Blondie

Released in January 1981 on the album Autoamerican

Blondie had their share of 80’s hits, and “Rapture” was one of the best. It’s a sultry ballad that speaks of the passion newlyweds have for one another, and it is best saved for that moment when you prepare for the reception send-off.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Well now you see what you wanna be
Just have your party on TV
‘Cause the man from Mars won’t eat up bars when the TV’s on

A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) – Raydio

Released in February 1981 on the album A Woman Needs Love

Raydio delivered this pop classic that features the vocals of Ray Parker, Jr. and a feel-good dance vibe. Any groom would find it to be a nice choice for that first dance with the bride.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

When her eyes
Are begging for affection
Don’t put her off
Don’t make her wait

Just the Two of Us – Grover Washington and Bill Withers

Released in February 1981 on the album Winelight

Bill Withers is never a bad choice when it comes to wedding music, and this hit is often found among the dance music choices at a wedding party. Today and forevermore it is just the two of you, and the song reminds you to let nothing divide the unity you have created.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

Just the two of us
Building castles in the sky
Just the two of us
You and I

Being with You – Smokey Robinson

Released in March 1981 on the album Being With You

Many couples like to play a song before they light the unity candle during their wedding ceremony. “Being with You” is a sweet and tender song from Smokey Robinson, and it celebrates how special the right person can make you feel.

Most Meaningful Lyrics:

I don’t care what they think about me and
I don’t care what they say, no
I don’t care what they think, if you’re leaving
I’m gonna beg you to stay

Tip

Next, see a list of the best 1982 wedding songs.

Celebrating wedding songs of 1981. Where were you and what was happening?

If you were one of the weddings in 1981

Congratulations on your wedding of 1981. You share your anniversary with the following events.

Celebrity Weddings of 1981

  • Gary Sinise married Moira Harris
  • Opal Stone married Ron Perlman
  • Vince Neil married Beth Lynn
  • John Grisham married Renee Jones
  • Valerie Bertinelli married Eddie Van Halen

News Highlights of 1981

  • Just moments after Jimmy Carter relinquished the presidency to Ronald Reagan, 52 American hostages are welcomed home after 444 days in captivity in the American embassy in Tehran.
  • After addressing a labor convention, President Reagan is shot by a would-be assassin, John Hinckley.
  • In London, the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
  • Sandra Day O’Connor is the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
  • A baffling new disease begins appearing in the United States. It is later called acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
  • On September 14, “Entertainment Tonight” premieres.

1981 Sports Champions

  • Just moments after Jimmy Carter relinquishes the presidency to Ronald The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series over the New York Yankees.
  • Super Bowl XV – Oakland Raiders win 27-10 over the Philadelphia Eagle.
  • The Boston Celtics win the NBA Title over the Houston Rockets.
  • The New York Islanders win the Stanley Cup over the Minnesota North Stars.

Music Highlights of 1981

  • Grammy’s Song of 1981: Better Davis Eyes – Kim Carnes
  • Christopher Cross- Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)
  • Kool & The Gang – Celebration
  • Diana Ross & Lionel Richie – Endless Love
  • Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl
  • John Lennon – (Just Like) Starting Over
  • Hall & Oates – Kiss On My List
  • Sheena Easton – Morning Train
  • Olivia Newton-John – Physical
  • Blondie – Rapture
  • Hall & Oates – I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)
  • Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes
  • Stars on 45 – Stars On 45
  • Air Supply – The One That You Love
  • Hall & Oates – Private Eyes
  • The J Geils Band – Centerfold

Entertainment Highlights of 1981

  • Best Picture: Ordinary People: Ronald L. Schwary
  • Best Actor: Robert De Niro – Raging Bull
  • Best Actress: Sissy Spacek – Coal Miner’s Daughter

Top Television Shows

  • ABC Monday Night Movie, Alice, Dallas, The Dukes Of Hazzard, The Jeffersons, Joanie Loves Chachi, M*A*S*H, 60 Minutes, Three’s Company, Too Close For Comfort

Learn more about 1981 on Wikipedia. Thank you for visiting our page – wedding songs of 1981.

Have a favorite wedding song from 1981? Please share your song below in the comments.

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