Wedding Music by Decade: Best Picks from the '80s

Each week, we feature music recommendations from Scratch Weddings, the nation's leader with the best wedding DJs at affordable prices. This week's post comes from DJ Chris Mix, Chicago's hometown DJ sensation spinning a wide variety of events and clubs in Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas. Mix's musical skills don't end on the turntables: He's also a pianist, a jazz drummer, plays clarinet and saxophone, and has an encyclopedic musical knowledge. Chris loves to play weddings because it allows him to create the perfect set-list based on the couple's musical taste. "I love being able to play the music that will make your wedding memorable!”

Photo Credit: Amanda Marie Photography

'80s music is the universal language for party. It’s old enough to be nostalgic but modern enough to feel relevant to every guest in the room. It was the decade that spawned New Wave, glam metal, hip- hop, and hair bands — and a playlist that mixes up with all of those genres is the perfect recipe for a great night. Spice it up with a few forgotten 80’s gems, and watch the crowd go wild. Okay, the '80s killed disco, but where would we be without MTV, Madonna and MJ?!

► “You Shook Me All Night Long” — ACDC (1980)
► “Don't Stop Believin'” — Journey (1980)
► "Jessie's Girl" — Rick Springfield (1981)
► "Just Can't Get Enough" — Depeche Mode (1981)
► "You Make My Dreams" — Hall & Oates (1981)
► "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" — Michael Jackson (1983)
► "Thriller" — Michael Jackson (1983)
► "Uptown Girl" — Billy Joel (1983)
► "Rhythm of the Night" — Debarge (1985)
► "How Will I Know" — Whitney Houston (1985)
► "Take on Me" — A-ha (1985)
► "Raspberry Beret" — Prince (1985)
► "It's Tricky" — Run D.M.C. (1986)
► "Your Love" — The Outfield (1986)
► "Livin' on a Prayer" — Bon Jovi (1986)
► "We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off" — Jermaine Stewart (1986)
► "Don't Dream It's Over" — Crowded House (1986)
► "I Think We're Alone Now" — Tiffany (1987)
► "Just Like Heaven" — The Cure (1987)
► "Like a Prayer" — Madonna (1989)