Today we’re going to outline the best 80s wedding songs for every part of your Essex & London wedding.
Cocktail hour, first dance, floor-fillers and last dance 80s wedding songs; we’ve got it all for you.
The 80s were full of unforgettable songs, from disco to rock to funk; there’s something for everyone.
We asked our followers on Instagram (follow us here) what they thought of 80s music, and the results were pretty conclusive:
People still LOVE 80s music.
So, if you’re looking for some inspiration for your wedding song playlist, you’ve come to the right place.
Or, if you need some inspiration on other genres of music, you can look through our best disco songs wedding playlist, our 2000s songs wedding playlist or our 90s songs wedding playlist.
We’ve broken the list into 4 categories: Cocktail hour, first dance songs, floor fillers and ending songs.
Let’s get started:
80s Cocktail Hour Wedding Songs
Not everybody has a cocktail hour, but these songs are also perfect for that time in-between dinner and the evening entertainment starting.
They’re well-known, upbeat songs that will get guests humming along, moving their feet and into the party mood:
1. Madness - It Must Be Love
Is there a more appropriate song for a wedding? This easy-going track sets the tone perfectly for the night and is guaranteed to get your guests singing along.
2. Hall & Oates - You Make My Dreams
A sure way to get the energy up and people in the party mood (it always reminds me of the film 500 Days of Summer).
3. The Stone Roses - Waterfall
Another chilled one that people are guaranteed to sing along to.
4. Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
An almost dreamlike start to the song is interrupted by some amazing drums! “I wanna be with you everywhere” is also some very fitting lyrics for a wedding.
5. Patrice Rushen - Forget Me Nots
I think it’s physically impossible to not dance when this song is playing. It really is that good.
Now let's move on to some options for your first dance:
80s First Dance Wedding Songs
Your first dance will probably be quite personal to you, but here are some options that might help you make your decision.
1. Berlin - Take My Breath Away
Fan of Top Gun? You've already found your perfect first dance song.
2. Cyndi Lauper - Time After Time
This is pretty much the polar opposite of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", and makes for a great first dance song.
3. Spandau Ballet - True
Iconic. Even if you don't know this song, you know it (if that makes any sense).
4. Bryan Adams - Heaven
Another song which has that ability to make you feel nostalgic no matter what. This song hits big, so your first dance is sure to be remembered.
5. Survivor - The Search Is Over
This song certainly has a gentler start than some of the others - a great way to ease you into the first dance.
Now the first dance is over, let's get everyone else on the dance floor:
80s Floor Filler Wedding Songs
Truly fan favourites, these tracks will get all age groups together and singing their hearts out (what more do you want?)
1. Bryan Adams - Summer of ‘69
This track hits you straight away! Air guitars will be everywhere, and everybody will sing at the top of their lungs. Guaranteed feet on the dance floor.
2. Katrina & The Waves - Walking On Sunshine
The ultimate feel-good song with a fantastic horn section!
3. Evelyn “Champagne” King - Love Come Down
It’s impossible to get sick of this song. Timeless and a must-have (in our opinion) at your wedding.
4. Sugar Hill Gang - Apache
You know the dance, everybody knows the dance. Enough said.
5. Kool & The Gang - Celebration
You simply cannot have a wedding without playing Celebration. It could probably be considered the official theme song of weddings everywhere! It’s that good.
Next, it's time to close out your night with some sweet 80s tunes. Get ready:
80s Ending Wedding Songs
These songs are hand-picked to bring everyone together at the end of the night, in a big circle singing at the top of their lungs.
The perfect ending to your Essex wedding party.
1. Journey - Don’t Stop Believin’
Overplayed? Maybe. But it’s a great way to have a memorable end to your special night.
2. Europe - The Final Countdown
The synth is about as 80s as it can get, and the extravagant sound ends a night on the dancefloor flawlessly.
3. Survivor - Eye Of The Tiger
If there are any stairs near the dancefloor, they’re going to get climbed - no question. This song will pump up your guests and make them feel invincible.
4. Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes - (I've Had) the Time of My Life
You could’ve put money on this song being included in a wedding playlist. The title of the track and theme is just too on point to be left out. Plus there’s always one that will attempt the lift.
5. Starship - We Built This City
Another track which closes out the night perfectly; it captures the feeling of togetherness amazingly well.
These are just some of the 80s songs we LOVE to play at Essex weddings.
And to make it even better:
We’ve put all of the songs we listed into a Spotify playlist for you. You can see it here or just below 👇
We recommend throwing them in your rotation over the next couple of weeks and giving them some time to marinate.
Need some more inspiration? Look through our best disco songs wedding playlist, our 2000s songs wedding playlist or our 90s songs wedding playlist.
In my opinion, listening to a song once doesn’t really give you enough time to decide whether you like it or not.
It may sound great the first time, but quickly get annoying on repeat listens.
On the other hand, certain songs have a tendency to grow on people over time.
Letting these songs naturally appear will let you form a true opinion on them, and you can then make the all-important decision on whether they make it to your wedding playlist or not.
We post lists like this a little more frequently on our Instagram page, so be sure to connect with us there.