'80s First Dance Songs: Dreamy First Dance Songs from the 1980s

However, it's a better option than you might think. For one, many couples getting married today may have parents who were married in the decade. You and your spouse could have your first dance to the same tune as your parents and start a tradition that could go for generations! While you may not be having "Final Countdown" play during your first dance, there are a ton of romantic first-dance songs with heartfelt lyrics, as well as catchy choruses that will have your guests singing along.

Many of the great love songs of the ‘80s were used in the soundtracks of classic films, such as Top Gun, Sixteen Candles, Dirty Dancing, Endless Love, An Officer and a Gentleman, and Say Anything, and more. If you and your beloved have a connection to one of these films throughout your own love story, the respective song could be a great choice for your big day. 

First-Dance Songs from the '80s

Whether you want to play air guitars with your new husband or wife with a song featuring an upbeat rhythm or listen to wedding songs featuring sincere lyrics reminiscent of romance and your favorite on-screen love stories, you'll find the perfect choice in this list of '80s wedding songs songs for not only your first dance, but also your wedding reception!

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Take a look at these first dance song ideas from the 1980s below to add to your wedding playlist:

"Take My Breath Away" - Berlin

Many popular songs from the '80s were written for or featured in hit movies, and this one is no different. Whether or not you're a fan of Top Gun, "Take My Breath Away" is a romantic song that's perfect for your wedding playlist – and a totally rad option for your first dance song!

"Islands in the Stream" - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

Written by the Bee Gees and performed by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, "Islands in the Stream" is one of Dolly Parton's greatest hits for a reason, and it's a unique option for the first dance with your new husband or wife on your wedding day that's not on every single '80s Spotify playlist.

"Open Arms" - Journey

Journey has a number of wedding songs to choose from, with "Open Arms" being one of the most popular. We also love "Faithfully" for your wedding day (farther down on the list!), so you'll have lots of songs to choose from when you're searching for first-dance inspiration from this famed band!

"Eternal Flame" - The Bangles

Released towards the end of the 1980s, "Eternal Flame" by The Bangles is a great option for couples who love new-wave music and want to choose a song that's not quite as popular as some of the other wedding songs on this list.

"You're the Inspiration" - Chicago

Fans of Deadpool may recognize "You're the Inspiration" by Chicago from the film, but it was also one of the more popular love songs of the 1980s and one of Chicago's greatest hits. If you want to have your first dance to a song that's upbeat and truly feels very '80s, this one should top your wedding-music list!

"True" - Spandau Ballet

"True" by Spandau Ballet has been featured in so many movies – from Sixteen Candles to The Wedding Singer – so it's no wonder it's also a popular song for first dances at weddings across the world. It's also one of the most-played songs in history, so why not play it one more time during your first dance!

"(I've Had) The Time of My Life" - Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Whether you and your beloved plan to do the famous lift from the movie Dirty Dancing or not, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" will set your wedding off on the right track as friends and family will certainly get in the mood to celebrate love once this popular wedding song is played.

"I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" - New Kids on the Block

Boy band lovers, rejoice! "I'll Be Loving You (Forever)" by New Kids on the Block will have all the girls in the audience singing along as you dance the night away with your new spouse.

"Time After Time" - Cyndi Lauper

"Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper is one of the most-recognizable songs on this list, as it's been featured in films such as Romy and Michele's High School Reunion and Napoleon Dynamite, and it's also been covered by a number of artists over the years. It'll be a great option for your first dance – or played at some point during the night if you choose another option on the list!

"Faithfully" - Journey

Mentioned briefly above, "Faithfully" by Journey is a beautiful first dance song that's romantic, sincere, and features great instrumentals that will keep your loved ones entertained and engaged throughout this special dance with your beloved before it's their turn to hit the dance floor!

"Lovesong" - The Cure

Fans of the original "Lovesong" by The Cure will want to add this '80s song to their list of top wedding music, but if you're looking for an alternative, more-modern option, the band 311 recorded a version of the song (featured in 50 First Dates) and Adele performed the song on her 2011 album 21.

"If You Were Here" - Thompson Twins

Another favorite from the movie Sixteen Candles, "If You Were Here" by Thompson Twins is a great option if you want to live out the music of your childhood dreams on the best night of your life with your beloved.

"In Your Eyes" - Peter Gabriel

The famous song from the movie Say Anything, "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel is another excellent choice for your first dance to relive the romance of the '80s. You'll have your wedding guests singing along... and maybe even holding a boombox over their heads!

"You Make My Dreams Come True" - Hall & Oates

For an upbeat first dance, "You Make My Dreams (Come True)" by Hall & Oates is a wonderful option that will keep your loved ones smiling and dancing along the entire time. It's also a lovely choice for fans of the movie (500) Days of Summer since it was featured in one of the famous scenes!

"Up Where We Belong" - Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

The '80s movies strike again! If you loved the film An Officer and a Gentleman, performing your first dance to "Up Where We Belong" by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes will become a memorable moment you'll never forget. Bonus points if your groom looks like Richard Gere!

"The Way You Make Me Feel" - Michael Jackson

Looking for ideas for upbeat first dance songs from the '80s? This Michael Jackson song features catchy lyrics and a fun beat. If you're a fan of the ballet dance number to "The Way You Make Me Feel" in the movie Center Stage, you may even want to incorporate some of the moves into your first dance!

"Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N Roses

Though often included on father-daughter dance song or mother-son dance song lists, Axl Rose actually wrote the lyrics for "Sweet Child O' Mine" about his future wife, Erin Everly, who he lovingly refers to as a "sweet child" throughout the song. If you're looking for a rock song that will help your friends start the dance party, this is certainly a fun one!

"Endless Love" - Lionel Richie & Diana Ross

The theme song for the movie of the same name, "Endless Love" performed by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross took the world by storm, and it still remains one of Diana Ross' best-selling singles and tops many lists of '80s wedding songs and first dance songs.

"Right Here Waiting" - Richard Marx

Written as a love letter to his wife, actress Cynthia Rhodes, Richard Marx's "Right Here Waiting" is a soft ballad that makes for a dreamy first dance song. It's one of our favorites and a great choice that will take your friends and family's breath away!

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Bonnie Tyler

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler became an '80s hit, so for big fans of music from the 1980s, this song is a must-have wedding song – and it's perfect for a first dance that opens up the dance floor since the melody builds over time. Some Inside Weddings couples have even chosen The Dan Band version from the wedding scene in the movie Old School as a funny first-dance song option.

"I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" - Whitney Houston

If you're wanting a fun, upbeat first dance, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" by Whitney Houston is a must. You'll have friends and family of all ages dancing and singing along, setting the tone for a night of celebration on the dance floor.

"Heaven" - Bryan Adams

"Heaven" by Bryan Adams is a sweet, heartfelt song with beautiful lyrics that include, "Yeah, love is all that I need, and I found it there in your heart, it isn't too hard to see, we're in heaven..." Warning: It might be a tear-jerker for some!

"Hold Me" - Fleetwood Mac

Another great choice for an upbeat first dance song, "Hold Me" by Fleetwood Mac features heartfelt lyrics but will also make sure there's an easy transition from your first dance to all of your guests hitting the dance floor afterwards.

"Here and Now" - Luther Vandross

"Here and Now" by Luther Vandross is a great R&B first dance song that's soft, slow, and features romantic lyrics that make it a must-have for any '80s wedding playlist.

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" - Queen

Another song that's a bit upbeat for couples who want to perform faster first-dance choreography, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen will be one of those songs that everyone knows the words to, making it a joyful option for opening the dance floor!

"Absolute Beginners" - David Bowie

The title track of the film of the same name, "Absolute Beginners" is one of the popular '80s wedding songs for fans of the movie and/or artist. Another more obvious choice, though it came out in the '90s, is "The Wedding Song" – written by David Bowie for his wife Iman Abdulmajid that would also make a great first dance song.

"I Just Called to Say I Love You" - Stevie Wonder

Weddings across the world have had their fare share of Stevie Wonder songs, but if you're looking for a sweet first dance song for your '80s wedding songs playlist, "I Just Called to Say I Love You" is a sweet one that will have you and your new husband or wife swaying on the dance floor.

For more ideas, discover first dance songs from the 1990s if that decade is more your style, as well as first-dance songs from the '70s, '60s, and '50s!