A full-service venue doesn’t have to mean cookie cutter

Full-service venues, those places that also handle your catering and bar service, are sometimes unfairly labeled as being generic and limited in their offerings. But with one-stop planning, there are many great reasons to look at top full-service venues. See why full service doesn’t mean cookie cutter – especially at Millennium Event Center, Winston-Salem’s premier wedding venue.

Redefining “full-service” for today’s couples

Traditionally, wedding venues that also offered in-house food and beverage service were hotels, restaurants, country clubs, and some banquet halls. The menus covered the basics, but there wasn’t a lot of creativity in the kitchen.

Over the last several years, more and more unique spaces opened up that provided basic reception setup (tables and chairs) and a venue manager. Couples either had the choice of their own caterer, one from a vendor’s preferred list, or one from a required list. 

This combination of vendors is still a popular choice. But there are venues that qualify as one-of-a-kind spaces that also offer custom menu planning, professional bar service, reception setup and even lighting and decor. This type of full-service venue is a great choice for today’s couples who want both convenience and creativity.

Myths vs Facts about full-service wedding venues

Full-service venues are not all the same. Full-service means a venue offers it all – space, service, catering, and bar. How you use it is up to you. The best venue owners empower their clients’ visions.

A popular misconception about full-service venues is that they only have one look – Plain Jane ballroom. When it comes to weddings at Millennium Event Center, you’ll find three floors of event space, each with its own style and personality. You’ll also have access to a variety of linens, lighting plans, dance floor options, and decor for your theme and vibe. Our professional team will make your ideas shine.

Another misconception is the lack of menu flexibility with full-service venues. The best food & beverage managers offer culinary guidance when it comes to feeding 200 guests as well as inventive menus and serving styles to set the tone for your reception. Have a family recipe you want to share? Bring it to your manager so the chef can give you a delicious interpretation.

The perks of a full-service venue

With a full-service wedding venue, you’ll enjoy planning convenience without sacrificing style. The staff is used to working together in a smooth and professional manner. 

The major components of your reception are all under one roof. When you hire a team of event professionals who work together on a regular basis, you and your guests will enjoy a seamless experience. In-house teams are familiar with the space, streamlining planning and execution.

Full-service venues are also a great resource for vendor referrals. The goal is to make each wedding experience professional and polished. So these venue managers want to work with amazing DJs, photographers, videographers, florists, and cake designers on a regular basis. And by using that preferred vendor list, you’ll ensure a solid team on wedding day.

Take a deeper dive on the advantages of a full-service venue with TheKnot’s comprehensive guide.

Tips for making full-service uniquely yours

Wedding specialists at full-service venues love telling your story through your personal ideas. Combine heirloom items into your decor. Enjoy a specialty cake and dessert bar that reflects your culture and heritage. 

Be sure to highlight the tech side of your venue. Put your love story on monitors around the space. And lean into the venue’s character. Highlight exciting architecture and let lighting set the mood.

Why full-service doesn’t mean cookie cutter at Millennium Event Center

From the onset of their arrival, your guests will be inspired and awed by the Millennium Event Center’s historic charm. Impressive steps and columns lead into soaring pre-function space that once served as Winston-Salem’s post office. After cocktails, your guests will enter a Grand Ballroom with hardwood floors and exposed brick.

With such an open space, your reception layout will be customized for the perfect flow. And your room will be set to perfection with the right tables, chairs, and linens. Millennium also offers a selection of decor items. Weave your signature touches into the mix to complete the setting.

Explore your options with Millennium’s chef to customize a delicious menu that gives your guests a culinary experience. Passed hors d’oeuvres, stations, plated, buffet, or family style – all professionally served at just the right time.

Millennium Event Center’s full service for telling your story also extends into lighting, sound and screen. There’s even a 360-degree photo booth. And with in-house black and white dance floors, you can even set up a distinctive checkerboard effect.

Full service done right — elevated, personalized, and effortless

As one of the top full-service wedding venues in Winston-Salem, Millennium Event Center defies the cookie cutter reputation. Plan a wedding ceremony, reception, and even an after party with our three levels of unique space. Enjoy locally sourced ingredients in your custom menu. And make your planning super easy with all the amenities Millennium offers.

Explore how full service means full flair and planning ease at Millennium Event Center. Contact us and schedule your tour and consultation.