The ‘80s Best: Ultimate Retro Playlist for Your Wedding

By Ross | 1 Entertainment on Nov 01 2021

If you've set your heart on an 80s-themed wedding or reception, there are the must-have songs on your wedding playlist. Even if you're thinking of a more traditional wedding, these songs will be great for getting your guests on their feet and to the dance floor.

1. What I like About You - The Romantics

This single from their self-titled album, published in 1980, is quick, joyful and energetic enough so that even the most bashful guests will be tapping their feet under the table. Freshies and oldies alike can groove to this single, so don't think twice about telling your DJ to add it to the mix.

2. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go - Wham

Even though George Michael died on Christmas Day in 2016, this song has always been popular on wedding playlists way before. It's entertaining, and you can't help but smile and start dancing when you hear it. That is what your wedding should look like. FUN. The song was released in 1984 and finally reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

3. Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard

It's been 30 years since it was released. From their massively successful album "Hysteria." Allow your DJ to play this later in the evening for more fun at your reception. The song peaked at number two on the Hot 100 charts in the summer of 1988. It was named one of the best songs of the 1980s in a VH1 poll.

4. Endless Love - Lionel Richie and Diana Ross

Everyone wants a tearjerker for their wedding, and we have precisely the song for you. Lionel Richie and Diana Ross wrote this 1981 song for the film of the same name. While the film received six Golden Raspberries, the song was nominated for the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.

5. White Wedding – Billy Idol

Finally, is there any music more fitting for your wedding than Billy Idol's 1982 smash? Although this song didn't make it to the charts like his other songs, it's still one of his more iconic ones. If you want some edgy tunes to accompany the joyous atmosphere, the White Wedding is a perfect choice.

6. Take On Me - A-Ha

If "Take On Me" isn't on your 80s playlist, does it even qualify as an 80s theme? Initially published in 1984, the song was re-recorded for their album in 1985 and became an international hit. If you want a song that has aged like fine wine and features the best techno-pop in the 80s, this is your song.

7. I Wanna Dance With Somebody - Whitney Houston

Nobody can resist going to this dance floor when Whitney Houston songs come on. Grandmas and grandpas included. In the summer of 1987, you couldn't turn on the radio without hearing this wedding blockbuster. It's still one of Whitney's most requested songs on wedding playlists.

8. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen

This music by the Boss is a terrific way to move from dinner to dancing shoes. If you're a fan of the series "Friends", you'll recognise a young Courtney Cox dragged up on stage by The Boss. "Dancing In The Dark" would reach number two on the Hot 100 but top the mainstream rock chart.

9. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

One of the most requested bouquet throw tunes. It's the perfect tune to play while your girlfriends fight over the wedding bouquet. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" became Cyndi Lauper's hallmark hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

10. Another One Bites The Dust - Queen

This track's addictive bass rhythm is just one of the many reasons you should include it in the 80s music section of your wedding playlist. "Another One Bites The Dust" would go on to become an international smash, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks.

Conclusion

So there you have it! This is merely a small selection of '80s tunes that would make your wedding rock!

Achieve the 80s wedding theme of your dreams by leaving the music to the best wedding planners in Surrey! 1 Entertainment Company is the UK's default when it comes to everything entertainment, from DJs to dance floors. Get in touch with us today to learn more!