Simon Partridge - The Vintage Singer

The first time I sang at the Ritz Hotel was pretty memorable, but then every wedding will have moments that remind me why I'm so lucky to be doing this job full-time. I love spontaneous dancing or the uncontrollable joy that spreads around the room when the music starts.

Elegant, relaxed, sophisticated, timeless, fun.

That I offer an entirely personal experience. I handle every booking myself so you'll be dealing directly with me right from first contact to the final note I sing at your wedding!

It's never too early to book. I hate having to disappoint couples because their date is already taken. If you love it, book it!

Is it bad to choose my own? Every couple I sing for receive a personalised record - a genuine vintage 78rpm disc. I print a label with their names, the date and wedding venue for the record which sits on the turntable of my trusty gramophone, Gloria, while I sing. Then afterwards they get to keep it as a unique souvenir.

Once the couple knows what they want in terms of my performance on the day (how long I'll sing for, when and where etc) I quote a price for the booking. If they're happy with that I'll then email a contract for them to read the terms and conditions and they'll email their acceptance of the terms. A deposit of 50% is payable at that time to confirm the booking, but the balance doesn't need to be paid until the day of the wedding. Between then and the wedding I'm at the couple's disposal anytime if they have questions about repertoire or logistics. I encourage couples to choose what I sing on the day or they can just let me know their favourites and leave the rest to me. I'll be in touch again a week or so before the wedding to double check all the details, let them know when I'll be arriving at the venue and so forth, so that when the day itself arrives everything is in place and they have nothing to worry bout.

From my repertoire I'd say "The Way You Look Tonight", "At Last" or "I Only Have Eyes For You", but really anything that holds special memories for couple. It's not about impressing your guests - choose something with meaning for you and dance like nobody's watching.

I'm not sure the term "floor filler" applies to any of the songs I sing! But numbers like "Let's Face the Music and Dance" and "Putting' on the Ritz" regularly get people on their feet - sometimes even during sit down meals!

It would have been wonderful to have been part of any of the big bands from the 1930s or 40s, but if Roy Fox, Ray Noble or Lew Stone were waiving the baton that would have been extra special.

It's the most eclectic list imaginable! I can't imagine a day without music and I love to listen to all kinds of genres, not just the stuff I sing.