A Guide for Couples Getting Married at The Lake at Willow Oaks in the Smoky Mountains
Weddings are some of the most memorable and joyous events in a couple's life. From the stunning venue to the beautifully crafted vows, every detail plays a significant role in creating the perfect atmosphere. One of the key moments that guests look forward to at a wedding is the toast. But who exactly should make a toast at your wedding, and what role do they play in the celebration?
If you're planning your wedding at a picturesque location like The Lake at Willow Oaks in Maryville or another breathtaking venue near Knoxville or Gatlinburg, this guide will help you navigate the important tradition of wedding toasts. We'll walk you through the people typically involved in giving toasts, why they do it, and how to make sure these moments shine on your special day.
The Tradition of Wedding Toasts
Toasts at weddings are more than just sipping champagne and clinking glasses. Historically, toasts were made to wish the bride and groom happiness, health, and prosperity in their marriage. The tradition traces back to ancient civilizations, where toasts were also seen as a way to ward off evil spirits—symbolizing goodwill and support for the newlyweds.
Today, wedding toasts are often filled with emotion, humor, and heartfelt messages that celebrate the couple's love story and the union of two families. Whether you’re getting married at The Lake at Willow Oaks, a scenic venue in Maryville, or any of the many stunning locations around Knoxville or Gatlinburg, the wedding toast is a time for those closest to you to stand up and share their well wishes.
Who Makes a Toast at Your Wedding?
Now that you know why toasts are so important, let's explore the people typically involved in making toasts at weddings, as well as the order in which they speak.
1. The Father of the Bride
The most traditional speaker at a wedding toast is the father of the bride. In many cultures, it’s customary for the father to give the first toast, which signifies his pride and joy in seeing his daughter marry the love of her life. If your wedding is at The Lake at Willow Oaks, with its stunning views and intimate atmosphere, the father’s toast can set the tone for the entire evening.
In his speech, the father often expresses his happiness for the couple, talks about his daughter’s childhood, and offers advice for the couple’s future. It’s a powerful moment that symbolizes the transition of the bride from her family’s home to the new family she’s joining.
2. The Groom
Following the father of the bride, the groom typically makes his toast. This is his opportunity to thank everyone for being part of his special day and to express his love for his new spouse. At The Lake at Willow Oaks, a wedding by the serene waters or beneath the rustic charm of a gazebo could make this moment even more meaningful.
The groom’s toast is often heartfelt and emotional, as he speaks about how he feels about his new partner, the joy of starting a life together, and the journey that lies ahead. He may also thank both sets of parents for their love and support.
3. The Best Man
The best man is traditionally the groom’s right-hand man and closest confidante. It’s common for the best man to give a toast shortly after the groom’s speech. If you’re getting married near Knoxville or Gatlinburg, where you may be surrounded by friends who have known the groom for years, the best man’s toast can be lighthearted and humorous. It might include funny stories from the groom’s past or anecdotes that highlight the couple’s unique qualities.
The best man’s toast is an opportunity for him to publicly express his joy and support for the newlyweds and to offer a few words of wisdom to the couple as they embark on their new life together.
4. The Maid of Honor
The maid of honor typically gives the next toast, which may come right after the best man’s. The maid of honor’s toast is especially meaningful because she often has a close, emotional connection to the bride. In addition to offering a heartfelt congratulation, the maid of honor might share a funny or touching story about the bride and how she’s witnessed the couple’s love grow over time.
Like the best man’s toast, the maid of honor’s speech can also include some humor, but the key is to keep it sincere and supportive. Whether you're getting married at The Lake at Willow Oaks in Maryville or a mountain venue near Gatlinburg, the maid of honor’s toast will highlight the bond between the bride and her closest friend.
5. The Parents of the Groom
In some weddings, the parents of the groom may also give a toast, though this is less common than the father of the bride’s toast. If the groom’s parents are particularly close to the couple, this can be a meaningful addition to the celebration. It’s especially fitting if the wedding is being held in a venue like The Lake at Willow Oaks, where the picturesque setting and family-centered atmosphere make it easy for parents to share their love and support.
A toast from the groom’s parents often focuses on welcoming the bride into the family and offering their best wishes for the couple’s happiness.
6. The Couple Themselves
Though the wedding is all about the bride and groom, it’s less common for them to make a formal toast to themselves during the reception. However, many couples choose to take a moment to thank their guests for being there to celebrate this significant occasion. This is an opportunity to express gratitude to everyone involved in the wedding and acknowledge how much the love and support of friends and family means.
A brief, heartfelt thank-you speech from the bride and groom is a lovely way to close out the toasts and set the tone for the rest of the celebration.
Additional Toasting Considerations
When planning your wedding toasts, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
Who Else Might Toast?
While the father of the bride, groom, best man, and maid of honor are the primary toast-givers, some couples choose to include other close family members or friends in the toast-making tradition. For example, siblings, grandparents, or close friends may wish to take a turn at the microphone. If you're having a more intimate gathering at a venue like The Lake at Willow Oaks, it’s easier to involve more people, as the venue has a more personal and cozy feel.
The Order of Toasts
The order in which toasts are given typically follows a traditional pattern: Father of the bride, groom, best man, maid of honor, parents of the groom, and then the couple. However, you can adjust this order depending on your preference. At many weddings, the best man and maid of honor speak after the bride and groom. If your wedding is taking place near Gatlinburg, where the setting often feels more relaxed and laid-back, the formality of the toasts may be a bit more flexible.
Duration of Toasts
While it's tempting to give long, heartfelt speeches, it's essential to keep toasts concise. The goal is to offer well wishes and show appreciation, but you don’t want the toasts to drag on for too long. Aim for a speech length of 3-5 minutes per speaker. It’s also a good idea to gently remind your toast-makers to avoid embarrassing or overly personal stories, as a wedding is a public celebration of love.
Including Guests in the Toast
If you’re hosting a destination wedding near Knoxville or in the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg, you may want to involve your guests in the celebration. Some couples invite everyone to make a toast, either during the reception or at the rehearsal dinner. This can make the event feel even more inclusive and create lasting memories. Just be sure to set some ground rules to keep it respectful and enjoyable for everyone!
Who makes a toast at your wedding is a big decision, and the toasts themselves are an integral part of the celebration. Whether you're getting married at The Lake at Willow Oaks in Maryville or choosing another beautiful location near Knoxville or Gatlinburg, toasts are an opportunity for your loved ones to share their well-wishes and create memories that will last a lifetime.
From the father of the bride’s emotional tribute to the fun and witty remarks from the best man, the people who speak at your wedding help to highlight the love and joy that surrounds your special day. So, as you plan your wedding, take some time to consider who you’d like to hear from during the toasts, and don’t forget to savor the moment when those toasts are made. After all, these words of love and support will echo in your hearts for years to come.
These are some of our privately owned venues around the country.
Harris Glen
Butler’s Courtyard
The Hidden Abby
The 1860 Schulhaus
The Ironwood Barn at Von Erich Ranch
