The Pros and Cons of Renewing Your Vows on Thanksgiving
The Pros and Cons of Renewing Your Vows on Thanksgiving
Considering renewing your vows on Thanksgiving weekend? It sounds like the perfect plan—everyone’s together, the food’s amazing, the vibe is cozy and full of gratitude. But is this holiday weekend the fairytale setting you imagine… or a logistical nightmare in disguise? Before you commit the cranberry sauce to your ceremony menu, here are the must-know pros and cons of renewing your vows on Thanksgiving.
👉 Let’s talk truth, turkey, and timeless love.
Thanksgiving already brings your family together. So why not double down on the love and turn a beloved holiday into a lifelong memory? For many couples—especially those with grown children—it seems like a no-brainer.
But before you pull out the pumpkin pie and say “I do… again,” it’s worth digging into both the magical perks and the potential pitfalls of renewing your vows on one of the biggest holidays of the year.
Let’s slice into the pros and cons.
The Pros of a Thanksgiving Weekend Vow Renewal
- Built-In Destination Vibe
If you’ve always dreamed of a destination vow renewal, Thanksgiving weekend makes it easier to gather the family for a 4-day celebration. Everyone’s already in “travel mode”—why not give them a reason to turn the trip into something truly special?
- Guilt-Free Guest List Slimming
Got people you feel obligated to invite, but don’t actually want there? Send the invite and let Thanksgiving work its magic—most will politely decline to stay with their own families.
- Perfect for At-Home Celebrations
If your home is already the go-to gathering spot, you’re halfway there! Add a little sparkle, shift the focus, and turn your traditional feast into an intimate and meaningful renewal celebration.
- Smart Budget Hack
Already cooking for the holiday? Great! You can merge your meal and reception for a huge savings win—just elevate the menu or presentation a bit to make it feel special.
- Pie Over Cake? Yes, Please.
Thanksgiving = the perfect excuse to skip the cake and go all-in on a gourmet pie bar. Pumpkin, pecan, apple, lemon, chocolate—let your guests choose their sweet adventure.
- A Ready-Made Theme
There’s no better time to express gratitude than during your vow renewal. From a “thankful for you” vow theme to leaf-strewn aisles and warm harvest colors, Thanksgiving practically plans your décor for you.
The Cons of a Thanksgiving Weekend Vow Renewal
- Family Scheduling Headaches
If your kids are married or have in-laws, holiday juggling becomes real. You may run into resistance or resentment when trying to “claim” the full weekend for your event.
- Travel Troubles & Price Surges
Thanksgiving travel is chaotic and expensive. Flights are full, fares are high, and delays are common. Plus, the weather? Completely unpredictable.
- Football vs. First Dance
Unless you plan to live-stream the game during your reception (please no), expect competition from Thanksgiving football fanatics—especially on Friday and Saturday.
- Vendor Availability & Costs
Vendors have families too. Booking on Thanksgiving Day itself may mean fewer options and higher fees. Expect premium holiday rates and limited availability leading up to the weekend.
- Time-Sensitive To-Dos
Need dry cleaning, bakery pick-ups, or printed menus? You’ll be racing the clock—many shops close early Wednesday and don’t reopen until Monday. Your prep game has to be strong.
So… Should You Do It?
Renewing your vows on Thanksgiving can be beautiful, meaningful, and totally doable—but only if you know what you’re getting into.
If your dream is a warm, family-first celebration filled with meaning and mashed potatoes, it might be the perfect fit.
If you’re hoping for a big crowd, flawless logistics, or vendor ease, it might be worth reconsidering.
The bottom line? Lead with love, plan with realism, and make it your own. After all, there’s no wrong time to say, “I still do.”
