“Get ready for homecoming. Twinssalon is offering 10% off any color and chemical services, 5% off cut and style services. 50% off on Make up.”

The homecoming mum is a Texas-sized tradition that continues to get bigger and bigger. What was once a small corsage with a few ribbons is now an enormous accessory at high school homecoming football games.

Mums in Texas are ornate, wearable bouquets of flowers with school-related tchotchkes. High school girls often were giant mums to school on the day of homecoming. They often go around the neck and feature ribbons, bells, charms, glitter, tulle and more. Many mums will include school colors and brag ribbons that show off activities and hobbies. Boys wear a smaller version called a garter on their arm. Prices can range from as low as $30 to over $500.

The Mum Tradition is Strong… and Big!

Mum is short for chrysanthemums, the “Queen of the Fall Flowers” that are similar to a daisy and come in various forms and colors. Many Texans were introduced to the chrysanthemum because of high school homecoming events when they either bought or received a mum or garter from their parent or boyfriend/girlfriend.
The origins of using simple mums as part of homecoming celebrations go back to nearly a century ago at the University of Missouri, but by the 1970s, mums because larger and more elaborate.
Now, floral shops are swamped with custom orders, grocery stores are filled with them and some crafty parents and students make their own. Mums used to only feature live flowers, but now many use synthetic flowers. Mums also vary in size and intricacy, especially depending on where you go to school. Mums in city schools tend to be smaller and less elaborate than what you see in small suburbs and rural schools.

2018 Mum Trends

Mums change a little bit from year to year (and especially over the decades), so it’s good to know the trends. Items not popular for mums this year include hologram ribbons, fringe (which tangles and looks messy), teddy bears (which are being replaced with school mascots or more personalized centerpieces), super-long mums that drag the ground and pinning mums to the chest — neck straps to hold heavy mums are way more popular and easier. Other trends for this year will include:

• Mega Mums — Massively wide designs are here to stay in still growing in popularity. Their size allows for more customizations and braids… literally more of everything.
• Bling — Rhinestones, sequin and even Swarovski crystals are all the rage. This year’s trend will include bling in the braids, in letters and on bells.
• Monograms— Nicknames, school initials and words like “Senior” written out in script font are also a great way to further customize a mum.
• Braids — Add depth to your mum with 3D braids, military braid, loops and diamondbacks with thick, full ribbons.
• LED Lights — This year’s look is more elegant with soft, blinking, “fairytale” lights.
• Technology — Expect to see digital photo frames or mums that play music this year.

Finally, it’s worth noting that mums are definitely a Texas thing. Every year, floral companies bring mums to trade shows hoping they’d catch on in places like Louisiana and Oklahoma, but without any luck.