Texas Homecoming Mums: The Complete Houston Guide

Homecoming mums are large, ribbon-draped corsages worn to high school homecoming football games — and they exist almost exclusively in Texas. A basic mum is an oversized artificial chrysanthemum mounted on a cardboard or foam backer, with cascading ribbons in school colors, metallic name cutouts, bells, and charms. Girls wear them pinned to the chest; boys wear a smaller version called a garter on the upper arm. Houston families typically spend anywhere from around $100 for a simple single mum to $400 or more for a double or triple mum loaded with stuffed animals, LED lights, and coordinated ribbon sets.

This guide covers the history of how a simple corsage became a Texas institution, what goes on a mum versus a garter, how much to budget, and where to find supplies or custom makers across the Houston area.

Where the Texas homecoming mum came from

The chrysanthemum at homecoming predates Texas. Students at the University of Missouri wore real chrysanthemums to football games as early as 1911 — a simple flower given as a token, pinned to a lapel. The tradition spread south, and the earliest known photograph of a homecoming mum in Texas dates to 1936, at Baylor University’s first homecoming celebration.

For the first few decades, Texas mums were modest: a real flower, a few ribbons in school colors, maybe a small charm. The transformation accelerated in the 1970s. National craft chains expanded into Texas that decade — Michaels opened its first national location in Dallas — and families discovered they could build far more elaborate mums at home than a florist would provide. Real chrysanthemums gave way to artificial silk and foam versions in the 1980s and 1990s, freeing designers from a perishable flower. An artificial mum could be as large as the wearer wanted, hung with as many trinkets as the backerboard could support, and kept as a permanent keepsake.

By the early 2000s, Houston suburban high schools had produced mums that covered the wearer from shoulder to knee, trailed floor-length ribbons, and played music from small battery-powered speakers. The world record for the largest homecoming mum corsage was set in 2024 by fashion design students at Lewisville High School in North Texas, led by teacher Abby Winston. Named “The Long Maroon Line” to mark the school’s 125th anniversary, it measured 27 square meters — roughly 290 square feet, larger than many Houston studio apartments — and required nine weeks of construction and about $800 in materials. Guinness World Records certified it.

One milestone for Houston-area shoppers: Hobby Lobby has discontinued its homecoming mum supply section. For four decades, Hobby Lobby’s seasonal mum aisle was the default first stop for Houston families. The options below are now the plan.

What goes on a mum — and what’s on a garter

A standard mum starts with a single large artificial chrysanthemum (or two for a double, three for a triple) mounted on a cardboard or foam backer covered in fabric or acetate. From there, the maker adds:

• Ribbons in school colors, typically 24–36 inches long on a single, knee-length or longer on a double or triple
• Metallic letter cutouts spelling the wearer’s name and graduation year
• Braids and accent ribbons woven through the main ribbons
• Bells (the traditional jingle is part of homecoming night)
• Charms and cutouts representing the student’s interests: sport icons, musical notes, mascot shapes
• A bow at the top, sometimes rhinestone-studded

Premium versions add stuffed animals (typically the school mascot), LED fairy lights threaded through the ribbons, a clear photo charm, and specialty ribbons — diamond dust, holographic, or glitter metallic — that cost more than standard acetate.

The garter is the male equivalent. Worn on the left upper arm with an elastic band, a garter uses the same elements — mum flower, ribbons, bells, name cutout, charms — scaled down and configured horizontally. Most makers sell matching mum-and-garter sets so the couple’s accessories coordinate in school colors. Order them together and say so upfront; makers typically need the same lead time for both.

How much does a homecoming mum cost in Houston?

Custom mums typically run $150–$350 for a double mum with ribbons, a stuffed animal, name cutouts, and braids. A single mum starts around $100–$150; a triple mum with full trim and LED lights can top $500. Garters run $60–$120 separately, usually less as part of a set. Mum entrepreneur Shakisha Crooks put the full range bluntly: “anywhere from hundreds of dollars to more than $1,000.”

What moves the price:

• Flower count. Single, double, or triple.
• Ribbon type. Glitter and diamond-dust ribbon cost more than plain acetate.
• Premium add-ons. Stuffed animals, LED lights, rhinestone bows, and photo charms each add cost.
• Maker demand. High-demand shops are often booked 4–6 weeks out; late orders carry a premium.

DIY can bring the total under $100 for a single mum if you shop early and buy components at a well-stocked supply store.

Where to buy supplies — build your own

Homecoming Supplies Superstore — Spring

Founded in 1999 in Spring, this shop claims to be one of the largest homecoming mum supply stores in the country, with more than 1,200 products: over 38 mum flower varieties, more than 200 ribbon options, backerboards, braids, trinkets, and mascot stuffed animals. Note: the store has moved from its longtime 253 Sawdust Rd address to a private location. Call before you go: (936) 231-3300 or email MumSuppliesSuperstore@gmail.com. Worth the trip if you’re building a serious DIY mum and want to touch and compare materials. More on living in Spring.

Build-A-Mum & More — Tomball

12131 Northpointe Blvd, Suite 7, Tomball TX 77377 · (855) 777-6867 · Mon–Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 1–4pm

A supply shop that also offers in-store custom builds: you sit with a maker and choose every element. Stock includes mum kits, braids, ribbons, backerboards, and trinkets. Useful for first-timers who want to build but aren’t sure where to start — the in-person build option walks you through the process. Custom order slots fill fast; the shop recommends booking early. Things to do in Tomball.

Michaels — multiple Houston-area locations

Since Hobby Lobby exited this category, Michaels is now the go-to chain option. The national craft retailer carries a seasonal Texas Homecoming section each fall including pre-made mums in several sizes and individual components: ribbons, flowers, braids, trinkets, and bells. Good for supplementing a custom order or building a simpler mum without a specialty-store trip. Check michaels.com for Houston locations and current stock.

Where to order a custom mum in Houston

MUMtastic Spirit — Magnolia (north of The Woodlands)

A seasonal shop north of The Woodlands that carries both DIY supplies and a full custom order service. Mums start at $35 for ready-made styles; fully custom creations run higher. The shop stocks acetate ribbon, glitter ribbon, diamond-dust ribbon, braids, trinkets, charms, bells, and plush items and serves “DIY creators, builders, and last-minute shoppers.” Check availability and current season hours at mumtasticspirit.com. Things to do in The Woodlands.

TARAriffic Mums — Spring

Custom mums and garters for Spring and the surrounding Houston suburbs, made by owner Tara O’Donnell. Check the website for current availability and to book your order. As a home-based custom maker, this typically means more personal attention to the design and a direct conversation about what you want. Contact: (713) 376-4052 · tararifficmums.com · @tararifficmums on Instagram. Things to do in Spring.

Mums By Michelle — Conroe

Based in Conroe, Michelle makes custom mums and garters and also sells DIY kits for families who want to build their own. Online ordering is available; her site at mumsbymichelle.com shows current availability and the order form. A solid option for families in The Woodlands and north Houston.

Enchanted Florist Pasadena — Pasadena

4416 Fairmont Pkwy #104, Pasadena TX 77504 · (832) 850-7677

A full-service florist in Pasadena that specializes in custom homecoming mums and offers delivery and shipping. Unlike home-based makers, they operate year-round, which makes it easier to connect outside peak season. They can “tailor-make” mums to match your preferences — school colors, mascot, ribbon length, and trim. Good choice for families in Pasadena and the southeast Houston suburbs. Things to do in Clear Lake.

Mums and Kisses — ships to Houston

Based outside Houston but ships nationwide, with a dedicated Houston-market page at mumsandkisses.com/homecoming-mums-houston. A reliable option for families who want a custom mum delivered rather than making a shop trip, or who have already missed local makers’ booking windows. Check the site for current order availability.

The biggest-mum arms race

At many Houston-area high schools, the size and complexity of a homecoming mum is a recognized signal. Students arrive at the game and compare — quietly or not — whose mum has the most ribbons, the most intricate trinket collection, the most impressive stuffed mascot. A triple mum is the unambiguous statement piece; a coordinated matching mum-and-garter set signals the couple put in effort.

The competitive culture has produced genuinely extreme results. The certified world record, set in 2024 at Lewisville High School, required nine weeks and an entire class of fashion design students. It measured 290 square feet. The school reportedly erupted when it was unveiled at the game.

For a wearable mum, the one-upmanship plays out in details: premium ribbon choices, a rhinestone bow, a hand-assembled photo charm, or a stuffed mascot in exact team colors. The difference between a $150 mum and a $400 mum is visible from across a stadium.

How we chose

We verified each business above as currently open — or actively accepting homecoming orders — via its official website or official social media page as of October 2026. Many mum makers operate seasonally from late August through mid-October. Always confirm hours and availability directly before making the trip; custom booking windows close fast.

Save this: homecoming mum checklist

• Order your custom mum 4–6 weeks before your school’s homecoming date.
• Tell your maker the school colors first — every other design choice flows from there.
• Order the mum and garter together if you want them to match.
• Confirm ribbon length: a standard single ends at mid-thigh; floor-grazing ribbons require a specific request.
• Bring a safety pin as a backup — even the best mum clip can slip after a long night.
• For DIY: buy supplies in late August before the best ribbon stock sells out.
• After homecoming, hang the mum flat on a wall rather than folding it into a closet; the ribbons hold their shape better.

Last verified: October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Texas homecoming mum?

A homecoming mum is an oversized corsage worn to high school homecoming football games in Texas. It consists of a large artificial chrysanthemum mounted on a cardboard or foam backer, with cascading ribbons in school colors, metallic name cutouts, bells, charms, and add-ons like stuffed animals or LED lights. The tradition is nearly unique to Texas.

What is the difference between a homecoming mum and a garter?

A mum is worn by girls, pinned to the chest, and hangs vertically with long ribbons. A garter is the male equivalent, worn on the upper left arm with an elastic band, using the same elements — flower, ribbons, bells, name cutout — but scaled down and configured horizontally. Couples typically order matching sets in the same school colors.

How much does a homecoming mum cost in Houston?

A single custom mum typically starts around $100–$150; a double mum with ribbons, braids, and a stuffed animal runs $200–$350 at most Houston-area shops. Fully loaded triple mums with LED lights and premium ribbons can exceed $500. Garters run $60–$120. DIY supply costs can come in under $100 for a single if you shop early.

When should I order a homecoming mum?

Order 4–6 weeks before your school’s homecoming date. Houston-area custom makers typically open their order books in August and fill up fast, especially for popular homecoming weekends in September and October.

Does Hobby Lobby still sell homecoming mum supplies?

No. Hobby Lobby has discontinued its homecoming mum supply section. Michaels is now the main chain alternative, carrying a seasonal Texas Homecoming section including pre-made mums and individual components.

Where can I find homecoming mum supplies near Houston?

Homecoming Supplies Superstore in Spring (call 936-231-3300 for the current location) and Build-A-Mum & More in Tomball (12131 Northpointe Blvd Suite 7) are the largest dedicated supply shops near Houston. Michaels carries a seasonal selection at multiple Houston-area locations.