Everything’s Bigger in Texas: The Ultimate Guide to Homecoming Mums (2026 Edition)
If you’re from outside the South, you might be confused.
Why are teenagers wearing giant flower arrangements around their necks? But if you’re from Texas, Oklahoma, or Louisiana, you know exactly what time it is.
The homecoming mum is one of the most unique, flashy, and beloved traditions in high school culture.
It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s definitely not subtle. In this guide, we’re breaking down the history of the "mum," sharing the unspoken rules, and giving you the ultimate supply list to build your own masterpiece.
Wait, What is a "Mum"? (A Brief History)
Believe it or not, this tradition started simply. Decades ago, a boy would give his date a simple chrysanthemum corsage to wear to the homecoming football game. Simple, sweet, and classic.
But this is Texas we're talking about. In the 1970s and 80s, the "bigger is better" mentality took over. The fresh flowers were replaced with durable silk ones (to last the whole day), and the ribbons started getting longer. And longer. And longer.
Today, a "mum" is a massive, elaborate arrangement of silk flowers, ribbons, trinkets, bells, and lights that girls pin to their shirts or wear around their necks. Some are so big they stretch from the neck all the way down to the socks!
Who Gives What? (The Rules)
Traditionally, there’s an exchange:
The Mum: The boy makes (or buys) a mum for his date.
The Garter: The girl makes a "garter mum" for the boy, which is a smaller version worn on an elastic band around his upper arm.
Fun Fact: It is a bit of a tongue twister, but let’s be honest: Moms usually help sons make the mums. It’s often a team effort involving hot glue guns and a lot of patience!
DIY: What You Need to Build One
You can buy pre-made mums from professional florists (some cost hundreds of dollars!), but making your own is a huge part of the fun. Here is your starter survival kit:
The Base: Cardboard backers and a silk chrysanthemum flower (white is standard for seniors, school colors for underclassmen).
The Ribbons: You need yards of ribbon in various widths, textures, and school colors.
The Bling: Glitter letters (for names and graduation year), plastic trinkets (footballs, megaphones, musical notes), and bells (so you jingle when you walk!).
The Centerpiece: In recent years, it’s become trendy to put a plush mascot or a cute teddy bear right in the center of the flower.
The Tools: A heavy-duty stapler and a hot glue gun are mandatory.
How Do You Even Wear It?
This is often an afterthought, but it’s crucial! These things can get heavy.
The Neck Loop: For the giant mums, a soft ribbon loop that goes around the neck is the most comfortable option.
The Pin: For smaller mums, heavy-duty safety pins can attach it directly to clothing (just make sure the fabric can handle the weight!).
Pro Tip: Ask your date what she’s wearing! If she has a strapless dress or a delicate fabric, she definitely needs a neck loop.
After the Game
The game ends, but the mum lives on. Most girls keep their mums forever. They get pinned to bedroom walls or stored carefully in keepsake boxes, serving as a jingling, sparkly reminder of the best Friday nights of their lives.
Are you making a mum this year? Let us know in the comments how many glue sticks you went through!
