Perhaps the two greatest things in life are your wedding and music. Dancing at a wedding can be one of the most memorable and fun things you can do in your lifetime, particularly when you’re dancing to some of the best and legendary songs of history!
The 1980s introduced us to many of our favorite acts and breakthrough stars for the ages. It was an era of dancing and happiness, so it comes as no surprise that 80s dance songs are the perfect choice for a wedding.
Problem is, it spans a decade of songs. With so many to choose from, where do you start?
We’ve come up with our ideal 80s dance songs for your wedding. So crank up the speaker and get your dance shoes on, let’s get to it – the 5 best 80s dance songs for weddings.
Irene Cara: Flashdance (What A Feeling) (1983)
One of the most recognizable songs of the 80s that is guaranteed to get people straight to the dance floor. With its upbeat tune and consistent pace, people of all ages will know it – at least they’ll be singing “what a feeling!”
Perfect for a wedding because it encompasses both the happiness of the day and the love of the couple, which you can see clearly through its lyrics.
Key Lyrics: “you can dance right through your life” and “I can have it all”
The lyrics can represent a feeling of excitement and optimism. With your lover, you can have it all and it does feel like you can be happy and dance through your life. What a feeling!
The B-52s: Love Shack (1989)
If you want a song that you know everybody will know and love – look no further than Love Shack.
With its memorable, high energy and upbeat tone – this will definitely get your wedding guests moving on the floor! Perfect for all guests and it comprises some of the most appropriate lyrics for any wedding.
Key Lyrics: “Huggin’ and a-kissin’, dancin’ and a-lovin’” and everybody’s movin’, everybody’s groovin’ baby”
The lyrics have the overtone of love with hugs and kisses but also reminds everyone that they need to get involved with the dancing – because everybody is moving! A real favorite among wedding guests and party goers.
The Human League: Don’t You Want Me (1981)
This dance song is heaped in irony, but because of this – it becomes a funny and inclusive dance song for any wedding.
For guests that are single, it can be a great song to get dancing with other singletons. For the happy couple and other couples, they can laugh at the irony that they’re in a relationship but asking; “don’t you want me?”
It’s a much loved song for parties and will entice the guests to both sing and dance. As there’s two singers in the song – couples can take turns in singing their chosen part!
Key Lyrics: “you were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar, when I met you” and “I still love you”
Couples that have been together for a while might be able to conjure memories of their first time they met with the first set of lyrics and remind themselves later in the song that, yes – I do still love you!
Ideal for anyone attending the wedding, this is an 80s song to certainly get those feet and glasses moving!
Culture Club: Karma Chameleon (1983)
A massive dance hit for the 1980s that we still know and love today! You’d be made of stone to dislike this song. It has the most positive vibes to it and tempts people to the dance floor (especially after a few drinks!)
It has the feeling of love with its words and the boosted energy of a top dance song!
Key Lyrics: “you’re my lover, not my rival” and “my love was an addiction”
All couples and single guests will enjoy partying to Boy George’s fantastic singing, looking at their dance partner and telling them they’re lovers and they can’t get enough of one another.
Katrina & The Waves: Walking On Sunshine (1985)
This has to be one of the happiest dance songs that the 80s ever delivered! It has a high energy, exciting and pleasing tune with confident and lovely singing to compliment it.
Used in many TV shows and movies, those who missed out on the 1980s will still know this song and will find it hard to resist getting their dance on! The lyrics reflect the mood of the wedding day too.
Key Lyrics: “I’m walking on sunshine, and don’t it feel good” and “I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I’m sure”
The symbolism of walking on sunshine is that your love is like the impossible but sunshine is usually seen as happiness. What we’re saying is – you’re living with happiness all the time with your partner!
After getting married, the lyrics of “now baby I’m sure” cements the lovers’ life together. But it’s not just the couples who can enjoy this – everybody loves Walking on Sunshine!
Things To Remember When Choosing Wedding Dance Songs
As the 1980s spans a decade full of famous dance songs, you’ll need to think of a few things that are important when planning this part of the day and night.
You’ll need to think about the guests mainly. The 1980s were a fantastic decade but some of your guests might not be old enough to remember the songs or some might not know specific songs. We’d recommend you choose some of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s – good thing we’ve got a list to help you!
You’ll also need to think about timing. Closing your wedding on a dance song that really tires out guests but makes them incredibly happy and makes the night memorable is the best way to go about it!
Whatever you decide, weddings are amazing and it is the music that can really make it! Take some time, choose the best!
