Are you ready for the biggest event of the year?
Homecoming is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about the most important part of the festivities: the homecoming mum! If you're not from Texas, you may be wondering what a homecoming mum is. In short, it's a giant flower corsage worn by high school students, particularly in Texas. But there's a lot more to it than that. Here's everything you need to know about Permian Homecoming Mums especially in West Texas.
The History of Homecoming Mums:
Believe it or not, homecoming mums date back to the 1930s. Back then, they were simple corsages worn by girls to football games. Over the years, they grew in size and complexity, until they became the giant, elaborate creations we know today. Today we use a silk chrysanthemum flower known as a "mum" in the center piece of almost every piece of work we do. These also range in sizes and colors.
What Goes Into a Permian Homecoming Mum:
If you've never seen a Permian homecoming mum before, you're in for a treat. These things can range from our mini's all the way to our platinum sizes which are actually quite huge! They're made up of layers of ribbons, trinkets, and other decorations, and they can be as big as the wearer. Some even have lights and sound effects! But despite their size, they're carefully crafted to reflect the wearer's personality and interests.
We take pride in working sometimes over 80 hours to create unique works of art that will represent not only the school of your choice, but also the activities of the wearer or their date. Which is part of the reason we open up our ordering process so early in the year. This allows us time to really work on them and perfect every detail.
Mums and their counter parts garters are made up of two main parts. The crown and the skirt or base. As you can guess, most of these start off the same way, with yards and yards of base ribbons for your skirts to ensure a full look. Followed by specialty ribbons as well as braids.
Finally we add the crown to these and that is the the fun really starts. All of those little details that truly bring them to life come into play at this time. I'm not going to lie, the braids do play a good part in the whole scheme of things, and having a detailed game plan of how it is going to all lay out in the beginning does help. But once you get down to that top layer, the sky is truly the limit!
So you want to make your own?
I love hearing this! Why you might ask? Well to be honest I come from a teaching background (before my days in the accounting field). So back in Houston every year I would offer mum making classes for those wishing to learn. It was always great fun not only for those in attendance but for me as well. Making your own homecoming mum is a rite of passage for many high school students. But it can be overwhelming if you don't know where to start. Here are some of my "Tips for Making Your Own Homecoming Mum that will stand out:
Start early: Mums take time to make, so don't wait until the last minute. Trust me on this one. It all looks fun and easy until you actually get down to the work of it. The design process takes time.
Be sure to use your wide plain ribbons on the back of your mum or garter. They will help build a great base layer for the skirt of your mum or garter. Plain ribbons are best because you won't really see them back there. Save all of your pretty ribbons to be the "stars of the show" for the front line.
Get creative: There are no rules when it comes to homecoming mums. Let your imagination run wild! Think outside of the box, and you will be surprised with what you can come up with.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Not sure how to make a braid, or don't really have the time? Not a problem, we sell braids all the time. Check out our online store for just extra supplies you might want. Plush, braids, acrylics, heck if you reach out to us early enough we can even do custom cutouts for you to just add to your work of art.
Personalize it: Add trinkets and decorations that reflect your personality and interests. Yes, I really mean that. Just because your school colors are maroon & white or black and white doesn't mean you can't have pops of other colors you really love. Imagine your mum with a touch of aqua bows in there, mint, lavender or even pretty pops of pink. Besides your activities, you can also add your favorite colors as well as photos. Don't be afraid to add those details.
Have fun: Remember, the most important part of the mum is the memories you'll make wearing it.
Homecoming mums are a beloved tradition throughout Texas, which has expanded over the years into New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Florida and as even north as New York with so many Texans transferring all over and Permian Homecoming Mums are some of the most elaborate and impressive mums out there. We are a proud member of Mums, Inc. which promotes raising each of our fellow members up, sharing knowledge within the industry and above all caring for our fellow person. Whether you're a high school student getting ready for your first homecoming or a parent helping your child create their own mum, these tips and tricks will help you make a mum that will be the envy of everyone at the game. So start planning, get creative, and have fun! If you would rather choose one of our professionally created mums or garters, please feel free to visit our online store here!