FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I secure my event date at First and Main? And what is the deposit schedule?
Event dates are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. We are unable to reserve a date without a signed contract and a non-refundable deposit. Once you have toured the space with our on-site events manager and decided to book with us, we ask that you sign an event contract and put down a 50% non-refundable deposit. If your event date is less than 6 months away, we ask for a deposit of 75% of the rental rate. If you book your event within one month of the event date, we ask for 100% payment at the time you sign your contract. Any balance is due 30 days prior to your event date.
What is included when I rent the space at First and Main for my event?
Please reference our extensive list of features included in your rental rate. We also list what features are available at an additional cost as well as the responsibilities we ask of you as our client.
What is an On-site Event Manager? What is a “day-of” coordinator?
An On-site Event Manager is an employee of First and Main and is your primary contact for the venue. Once you have secured your event date, the On-site Event Manager will be your guide to the use of the space for your event – including working with you and/or your event planner to layout the seating/table arrangements for your event, scheduling any vendor walk-throughs and coordinating with your vendors for delivery and set-up on the day of your event. Your On-site Event Manager is also the point of contact for your day-of coordinator. Every client is responsible for designating a day-of coordinator. We do not require you to have a professional. However, you will need to designate a day-of contact so that our on-site event manager can coordinate your event without involving you. Please be aware that our event manager will need to communicate with your coordinator during the course of your event as well as the set-up and break-down process.
What is the 20% cleaning/set up/staffing fee?
This fee covers the predetermined set-up of the furniture, tables and chairs if provided by First and Main according to your desired layout and general cleaning of the space before/after your event. This fee also includes your On-site Event Manager.
Is a Damage Deposit required?
A $500 damage deposit is required at the time you book your event date. You may write a check for the $500 which will be held on file until the conclusion of your event and returned to you at the conclusion of your event if no damage has been done.
What is the maximum capacity of guests at First and Main?
For a seated meal, reception or dinner only, we can accommodate 200 guests. Our on-site event manager works with each booked client to layout the seating for their event using our “All Seated” software. Including staff, we can accommodate 240 total for a standing room only or seated performance or ceremony only. For a wedding combined with seated reception, we can accommodate 150 guests.
Do you have any AV equipment available?
A wireless speaker system is available for your use during your event. For an additional $200, you may rent our 65” flat screen television for use during your event. We are not responsible for running any AV needs during your event and ask that you work with a separate professional for any of your AV needs.
How long do I have access to the space at First and Main on the day of my event?
When you book your event at First and Main, you have 8 hours of rental time on the day of your event. (This applies to afternoon and evening events. If you are planning a morning meeting or educational event, please inquire about the timing of these events with our On-site event manager.) For example, this allows for 2 hours of set up time, 4 hours of event time and 2 hours of break-down time following your event. We work closely with clients and/or the client’s event planner to coordinate the delivery of rentals, florals, catering, etc. to ensure that the set-up process goes smoothly. At the conclusion of the event, your on-site event manager will work with you and your vendors to ensure an efficient break down of your event as well. If you are planning a wedding at First and Main, you also have 1 hour of access to the space 1-3 days prior to your wedding for the purpose of rehearsal. Wedding rehearsals are scheduled 30 days prior to your wedding based on venue availability. As part of our dedication to customer service, we are flexible in facilitating client walk-throughs at the space with vendors and family/friends for the purposes of event planning once you have secured your event date with us. Please understand that we offer this service to make your planning easier and ask that you be respectful of our time in scheduling and on the day of the walk-through. Your rental rate includes two client/vendor walkthroughs as needed. We require one week’s notice of your visit and reserve the right to schedule walkthroughs around our existing event schedule.
Does First and Main offer a Catering Kitchen?
While we offer a small dedicated area for your caterer to stage and serve food and beverages from, we do not offer on-site food preparation space in the form of a kitchen. In addition, we do not offer a space for caterers to wash dishes, glassware or serving utensils. We ask that those items be removed and cleaned off-site.
Can I bring in my own vendors?
ABSOLUTELY! We want you to have the flexibility to work with the vendors that best fit your stylistic and budgetary needs. We love to recommend local event professionals, so please ask if you would like a referral for a particular vendor need. To ensure the success of your event, we do ask that you submit a complete vendor list for your event 30 days prior to your event date. Knowing the other event professionals and/or family and friends who are working to make your event successful is an important tool in our partnership with you.
What are the rules associated with the service of Alcohol at First and Main?
Alcohol is allowed on the premises of First and Main. You can obtain alcohol through your caterer or hire a bartending company. If you choose to provide your own alcohol, you must have a licensed bartender serving all alcoholic beverages, either hired by you or provided by your caterer. In addition, you will need to apply for a “Limited Special Occasion Liquor License” from the NC ABC Board. We will ask for a copy of your ABC permit as well as the credentials of any bartenders.
Do I need event insurance?
Yes. We ask that you get a one-day event insurance policy with First and Main listed as co-insured. These policies typically cost around $150 and are intended to protect you and the venue from any liability that may arise from your event. You may obtain this type of insurance from the same insurance agent that covers your car or home.
Are there any restrictions when it comes to décor?
You are allowed to have open flame candles as long as the candle is in a container. You may use command strips to hang décor from the walls of the venue; but nailing or screwing into our walls is strictly prohibited. We do not allow the use of confetti, glitter or rice either inside or outside of the building or the surrounding property.
What is expected of the client and event vendors during the break-down period following your event?
You are allotted two hours of break-down time following your event. This two-hour period is ample time for a band and caterer to complete their required clean up. During this time, the caterer is responsible for stripping linens, racking all china, glassware and flatware, and placing all outside rental items in the designated location for pick up. The caterer is also responsible for removing any trash from the venue as well as sweeping the catering prep area. The client is responsible for removing any and all items brought to the venue on the day of the event for décor. Items may not be left at the venue overnight following the event. The client is not responsible for the breakdown of tables and chairs provided by First and Main. Your On-site Event Manager will be present during the break down process to facilitate an efficient end to your event. We ask that your day-of contact remain until the break down process is complete. At the completion of the break down process, the On-site Event Manager will determine if any damage has been done. If not, the damage deposit will be returned in full within 5 business days. If damage is noted, it will be immediately documented and the client will be contacted within 24 hours to discuss any event associated damage.
Where should Guests park?
First and Main is located in the heart of Old Towne District of Knightdale. We have access to on street parking, and based on availability, the ability to rent a large parking lot within walking distance of the venue.
Is First and Main handicap accessible?
Absolutely! Our entrance and restrooms are easily accessible for those with physical challenges. If you have invited guests to your event that experience unique physical challenges, please advise us in advance so that we may make certain that they are able to fully experience our venue.
How can I take advantage of the inventory of vintage furniture, props, accessories and tabletop décor available for rent through First and Main?
First and Main has a unique collection of antique and vintage furniture, that is included with your venue rental pricing. Props, accessories and tabletop décor is also available for rent by our venue clients. Once you have booked your event with us, you and/or your event planner are invited to meet with our Rental Manager to view our rental inventory to determine if you have need of pieces from our vast collection for your event. We have hand-picked a beautiful collection of bread boards, vintage crates, candle sticks and more that are guaranteed to make your event truly special.
Can you recommend accommodations for out-of-town guests?
Knightdale is home to the newly built Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton. In addition, Knightdale’s close proximity to Raleigh makes finding accommodations for your out of town guests very convenient.
Is smoking allowed at First and Main?
First and Main is a tobacco and drug free zone.