Touring Venues? Here’s What to Ask

Most of our couples and clients tour just 1 to 3 venues before booking with us—so we know how important it is to ask the right questions upfront.

To help you feel confident in your decision (whether it’s with us or another space), we’ve pulled together the most helpful questions to ask on your venue tours. From backup plans to dog policies to whether you can leave your car overnight—we’ve got you covered.

This guide is here to make sure you walk away from every tour with real clarity about what’s included, what’s flexible, and what sets each space apart.

Wedding Inquiry

Event Inquiry

Venue & Staffing Support

  • Yes! A member of our venue team is onsite throughout your event to ensure everything runs smoothly—from unlocking doors to helping with vendor access and final walkthroughs.

  • We include a Venue Coordinator and Wedding Coordinator to support you through planning, vendor coordination, and floor plans. For weddings, we also assign a dedicated Wedding Day Coordinator who will guide you through the ceremony, cue special moments, and keep your timeline on track.

  • Yes! We’re here to help map out your ideal flow, coordinate vendor logistics, and build your floor plan using your unique mix of lounge furniture, farm tables, and high tops. We’ve got tools and templates ready to make it easy.

Decor, Design & Ambiance

  • You’re welcome to get creative! We allow real candles if they’re in enclosed holders. We don’t allow loose confetti or nails in the walls, but we can help with safe alternatives like Command hooks or use of our museum hanging systems.

  • Yes—real candles are allowed as long as they’re in enclosed containers like votives, hurricanes, or lanterns.

  • Absolutely. Our furniture is designed to be moved and customized. We’ll work with you on the layout and can help with setup and breakdown.

  • Yes! Your rental includes a rotating mix of modern and rustic furniture—think industrial tables,  round tables, folding tables, high tops, soft seating, and accent pieces like shelves and coffee tables.

  • Yes! Our “Something Borrowed Closet” is available as an add-on and includes chargers, table numbers, bud vases, runners, stands, tea lights, and more.

  • We have built-in sound systems in key spaces, plus two projectors and white walls that double as screens. Perfect for slideshows, visuals, or mood-setting content.

  • You’ll find string lights in our Courtyard and Gallery, warm dimmable lighting inside, plus our signature plant wall with customizable LED lighting. Natural light floods in through industrial windows during the day.

Vendor & Catering Questions

  • You’re welcome to bring in the vendor team that feels right for you. If they’re not on our preferred list, we’ll just need a Certificate of Insurance and a quick intro for approval.

  • There’s no fee for outside vendors. We ask for an introduction,  their insurance, that catering partners sign a catering agreement with us and understand we require one server per 50 guests and that it is carry in/carry out.

  •  Yes. Food trucks can park near the venue and have access to power hookups. Water access is available inside the prep area.

  • We offer a catering prep area with counter space, power, and refrigeration—perfect for full-service caterers or food trucks needing a base.

Insurance, Permits & Policies

  • Yes—we require a Certificate of Insurance with $2M general liability coverage listing The Factory on Willow and R&Y Events LLC as additional insured. We’re happy to recommend trusted insurance providers.

  •  If you plan to serve alcohol, your bartender must hold a New Hampshire Liquor License and be able to serve off-premise. Your event insurance must also include host liquor liability.

  •  We’ll guide you through any necessary permits, but in most cases, our space is pre-approved for these setups. Just give us a heads-up so we can coordinate.

Overnight & Getting Ready Options

  • Yes, couples often use one of the Airbnb units upstairs for getting ready. We’re happy to walk you through options during your tour.

  •  Yes— there are 16 boutique Airbnb units steps away from our Venue with luxury bedding and themed designs, just steps away from your event.

  • In addition to our onsite lodging, we’re within 0.5 miles of downtown hotels and charming B&Bs. Many offer discounted room blocks and shuttle services.

  • Yes! We have direct contacts at local hotels like Hilton Garden Inn and DoubleTree who can assist with group blocks and bridal suites.

Venues Logistics & Backup Plans

  • We’ll help you design a seamless indoor plan using the Main Gallery and Lounge if the weather doesn’t cooperate. We’re used to quick pivots—and we’ll handle the flip if needed.

  • Access typically begins at 4 hours before a full wedding and 2 hours before all other events  with breakdown being completed one post event. We can accommodate early access or next-day pickups for an additional fee.

  • Music must be turned off by 10pm outdoors and 11pm indoors to comply with city noise ordinances.

Parking & Transportation

  • We have 30 first come first service parking spots in our South parking lot with an additional 80 on street parking along. Overflow parking lot 100-200 steps away can be arranged for larger events.

  • Yes—overnight parking is permitted on the street over weekends, however, we encourage guests to use rideshare and designated drivers.

  • We partner with valet, shuttle companies and hotels that also provide shuttle services.

  • We’re just 9 minutes from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), and about 50 minutes from Boston Logan International (BOS).

Accessibility & Comfort

  • Yes—all of our event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, are ADA accessible, including restrooms and ceremony areas.

  • We have four large, all-gender restrooms. Each is private and accessible for families and guests with mobility needs.

  • Yes—Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue and can be shared with your vendors or DJ as needed.

  •  Yes! Our indoor spaces are fully climate controlled for year-round comfort.

  • Yes! We love welcoming pets as part of your celebration. Just give us a heads-up so we can prepare water bowls and quiet areas if needed.