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Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events celebrates 25 years of service. “25 Going on 50” is the tagline for marketing the anniversary event on April 7.
Loading trucks is part of the day-to-day routine at Marianne’s.
Marianne’s provides rental for events of all kinds. They can create that special feeling and atmosphere to set the tone for your party.
Prop Master David Friend showcases his talent while creating props for a baby and toddler expo.
Eye-popping flowers provide clients with unique design options.
Ready to Roll. Bolts of fabric wait their turn to be fashioned into anything from table cloths to pillows that might be requested by Marianne’s clients.
Ready to Roll. Bolts of fabric wait their turn to be fashioned into anything from table cloths to pillows that might be requested by Marianne’s clients.
Marianne’s employees design and sew all products rented to clients.
Fine fabrics hang in waiting at Marianne’s showroom.
Employee Brooke Larabee models a gown fashioned from a table cloth along with a chair sash and table runner.
The bottom was created from Regal Purple with purple and lilac English netting as the accenting material underneath. The top was created from a table runner in white stardust sheer.
Marianne's pride's itself in creating decorative trees to bring another level of atmosphere to your event.
Place settings and dining ware can be customized to the taste of any style of event at Marianne’s.
Place settings and dining ware can be customized to the taste of any style of event at Marianne’s.
Marianne’s provides rental for events of all kinds. They can create that special feeling and atmosphere to set the tone for your party.
Marianne’s provides rental for events of all kinds. They can create that special feeling and atmosphere to set the tone for your party.

Marianne’s celebrates 25 years of getting the party started with an eye on its exciting future

By Angie DeRosa

Imagine a  business that started with an 8-foot table as its counter. Now it has nine buildings that comprise 80,000 square feet on its sprawling campus on Britton Road. Among those buildings is one warehouse stacked with plastic containers storing cushions for the next event. And the “next event” could be anything, says Chief Executive Officer Marianne Long.

“We never want people to think that because we do big events (that means) we can’t do a child’s birthday party,” Long said. No matter the size of the purchase, every client is valued.

Two of the most memorable events have included the 2010 Conference of Mayors in Oklahoma City and the dedication of the new dome at the State Capitol. Marianne’s is equipped to rent everything from tents, silverware, dishes, table cloths, chair covers, chair sashes, chair cushions, and props like trees, flowers, and chandeliers.

In its main showroom, tables are set with the finest detail. Eye-catching fabrics in corals, teals and pinks adorn the space, tables and chairs stationary fashion models for the latest trends.

“We dress chairs like people have clothes,” says Creative Director Brent Patterson. “These are linens inspired by fashion.”

On April 7, Marianne’s will transform its newest building into a party venue to celebrate “25 Going on 50” with a special twist. It now also is an official sanctioned fundraising event for the American Red Cross to aid those affected by the Choctaw fires. Attendees can buy a cross for $10 and tie it onto a silver tree.

Models will showcase the endless possibilities of dress design in fabrics that match designs of tables. Each model actually will have a table that matches her dress design. Marianne’s will be paying tribute to its customers who have helped build the business. One 20-year employee will be honored.

“Sometimes what we’re doing is fulfilling our own dreams,” said Patterson. “If we want to have a fashion show, we do.”

It’s the creativity and open-mindedness of owner Long that have fueled the business, Patterson said. Long remains humble. It is a family business; her daughter and son-in-law work there as does Patterson’s mother Dawna.

But don’t expect an entitlement mentality among those family members.

“If you’re going to have a family business, those family members have to work side by side (the other workers) and do the same things,” said Long who has done every job that is possible for the business. That includes ironing napkins, cleaning candlesticks, and driving delivery trucks.

“It’s a lot of fun, a lot of stress, a lot of details,” says Long who used to be an English teacher. And the road to success hasn’t been without bumps. The business sustained about $0.5 million in damage from hail; officials tore down the oldest warehouse and built the new one.

“But we look better than we ever have,” said Long. “I’m always thinking about the next building. You can’t do anything if you don’t have a place to put it. Yes, we’re 25, but we’re thinking about the next 10 years. Over time you have to find ways to organize. Sheer volume dictates whether or not it will work.”

Marianne’s anniversary event will be held April 7 from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m.

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Angie DeRosa is an award-winning reporter and professional writer who now is director of Ion Oklahoma’s daily content.