Top 10 80s Songs

We're pulling out The Bangles and Thompson Twins for this special 80s wedding playlist! (expert advice)

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The retro sounds of the 80's are a popular choice for wedding receptions. 'The Wedding Singer', with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, made it an even more appealing idea.  If you're considering 80's music for your reception, you're not alone!  You may even find a local 80's cover band to perform live.  Whether you go with a DJ or a band, you have a huge selection of great wedding music from that decade.

Top 10 80's Music for Receptions

  1. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
  2. I Want to Know What Love Is by Foreigner
  3. You Spin Me Like a Record by Dead or Alive
  4. 1999 by Prince
  5. Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles
  6. 99 Luftballons by Nena
  7. What I Like About You by the Romantics
  8. Hold Me Now by The Thompson Twins
  9. Grow Old With Me by Adam Sandler
  10. She Drives Me Crazy by The Fine Young Cannibals

80's Songs to Avoid

While most every retro tune is good, not all 80's music is appropriate for your wedding.  Try to stay away from these:

  • Push It by Salt-n-Pepa (for Grandma's sake)
  • The End of the World as we Know It by REM
  • Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield
  • Love Shack by the B-52s

Special Dance Songs From the 80's

There are so many great 80's songs that are perfect for your first dance!

  • You're the Inspiration by Chicago
  • When I See You Smile by Bad English
  • Every Breath You Take by Berlin

If you're looking for an 80's tune for your father/daughter dance, consider Everything I Do by Bryan Adams or I Could Not Have Asked for More by Edwin McCain.  Cake cutting hits from the 80's include Hit Me with Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar, Candy Girl by New Edition, or Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard.

The selection of music from the 80's is incredible, whether you're looking for sweet and soft ballads or hot dance classics.  Planning a reception with music from the 80's is also a safe choice to keep your guests comfortable.  The music will be familiar faves of many and most 80's tunes will not appear offensive to anyone on your guest list.  If you're hiring a DJ, most will have a wide assortment of retro music, but you can also look for a DJ that specializes in wedding music from the 80's for an even broader choice.

Member Comments

11/01/2009 at 05:50 pm

i think we're alone now

every little step

the song from dirty dancing...

11/01/2009 at 04:46 pm

I love the song by Dead or Alive, it reminds me of the beginning of The Wedding Singer.

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07/25/2009 at 11:55 pm

Oh my gosh...tapes...lol.

Like a Virgin ... hey

07/25/2009 at 07:17 pm

I'm not sure Every Breath You Take is a good first dance song since it's about a guy stalking a woman O_o



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