Southern Belle Mums FAQ

Homecoming 101

What Is Homecoming?

Homecoming is more than a school event, it’s a heartwarming tradition that honors school spirit, community, and the joy of coming together. Held annually across high schools and colleges in the United States, Homecoming typically revolves around a big football game, often accompanied by spirited parades, dances, pep rallies, and alumni reunions.

The earliest recorded "Homecoming" celebrations date back to 1909 at Southwestern University and Baylor University in Texas, with other institutions like the University of Missouri formalizing the tradition by 1911. From its humble roots, Homecoming has grown into a beloved cultural milestone.

What Is a Homecoming Mum?

A Homecoming mum is a beautifully adorned, wearable floral creation that symbolizes school pride and personal expression. Centered around a silk chrysanthemum, these statement pieces are lavishly decorated with ribbons, bells, charms, and custom touches that reflect the wearer's personality, achievements, and school spirit. At Southern Belle Mums, we consider each mum a work of art, designed to be worn, admired, and remembered.

Do Boys Still Give Girls Mums?

Traditionally, yes and we love honoring that sweet gesture. A boy invites a girl to Homecoming, and they exchange a mum and a garter. But today’s students are rewriting the rules. From mutual exchanges to family gifting mums, the tradition embraces all with heart and flexibility.

What Does a Girl Give a Boy?

A girl typically gives her date a Homecoming garter, a smaller, coordinated version of her own mum.

Mum vs. Garter: What’s the Difference?

• Mum: Larger, dramatic, and traditionally worn by girls. Usually hung around the neck.

• Garter: Smaller and worn on the upper arm by boys. 

At Southern Belle Mums, our garters are styled with the same attention to detail and Southern flair as our full-size mums.

When Do You Wear a Mum or Garter?

Most students wear them on Homecoming Friday: to school, to the pep rally, to the game, and sometimes in the parade. Due to their size, they’re not typically worn to the dance, but they often make a cameo in pre-dance photos.

Are Mums Just a Texas Thing?

Texas is the undisputed queen of Homecoming mums, but the tradition is spreading. Some states stick to classic corsages, while others are adopting Texas-sized flair. Mini-mums are even gifted to younger siblings and moms in certain communities. No matter where you are, the spirit of the tradition is what counts.

How Big Are Texas Mums, Really?

Big. Beautiful. But not always over-the-top.

While social media often spotlights the largest, most extravagant mums, many are crafted to suit personal style, school traditions, and family budgets. Whether modest or massive, a mum’s meaning matters more than its size.

Need Help Finding the Perfect Mum or Garter?

Explore our Southern Belle collections for sizing guides, DIY kits, design inspiration, and expert advice. Whether you’re shopping for your daughter, son, best friend, or sweetheart, we’re here to help you make memories that shine.

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Design & Ordering Questions

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What Ribbon Colors Should I Choose?

Traditionally, mums reflect school colors, especially for underclassmen. Seniors often wear white, silver, or gold to signify their final Homecoming, a regal look fit for senior royalty. Some customers opt to add accent ribbons representing hobbies, organizations, or personal flair.

What If My Date Goes to Another School?

Not a problem at all! We customize for dual school spirit, whether that means blending colors or spotlighting both mascots. Just let us know during ordering and we’ll design something perfectly personalized.

When Should I Order My Mum or Garter?

Early is always best. We recommend reserving your spot at least 6-8 weeks before your Homecoming date. Our calendar fills quickly, especially during peak season, and pre-orders ensure we can create your piece with the full attention and care it deserves.

How Do I Make Sure I Have a Spot?

We accept a limited number of custom orders each week to ensure our quality and creativity remain exceptional. Placing a deposit locks in your date. You can always finalize details later.

I Want to Order Now, But What If My Date Changes?

No worries! We can adjust names, school colors, and themes up until your customization deadline. We’ll send you a form after you order to collect final details, so it’s perfectly okay if your plans shift.

What’s the Last Day to Order?

Our cut-off for standard orders is one weeks prior to your Homecoming date. Rush slots may be available with an additional fee, but these are extremely limited and not guaranteed.

What Braids Come With My Mum or Garter?

Each package includes a selection of our signature handmade braids, such as:

Victory braid

Military braid

Texas braid

Deluxe and Mega options include more custom braiding and length upgrades.

What Are My Garland Options?

Our Deluxe and Mega packages include lush boas in school colors or custom palettes. Boas are available in varying styles for maximum softness and flair.

How Do I Place My Order?

Visit our website’s Order Form and select your package. Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll receive a custom questionnaire to help us build your perfect mum or garter. We’re also happy to help over email or in person.

What Size Mum or Garter Should I Get?

We recommend:

Freshmen/Sophomores: Classic

Juniors: Classic or Deluxe

Seniors: Deluxe or Mega

Garters follow similar sizing logic, though many boys prefer simpler, sleeker styles. Contact us for size visuals or samples.

I Don’t Have a Date, Can I Still Order a Mum?

Absolutely! Many students order mums to celebrate their school spirit. 

Why choose Southern Belle Mums?

We’re often asked this and love to share our story. Southern Belle was inspired by my daughter. We made her first mum together at the kitchen table. The joy and excitement we shared as we created each ribbon, braid, and trinket will be a lasting memory. I want to keep that tradition alive for every family out there which means every mum is made with heirloom quality materials, intentional storytelling through trinkets, Southern Belle signature charm, and expert craftsmanship and joyful presentation.

Can I Ask for a Custom Theme, Design, or Item?

Of course! We love bringing your vision to life. From sports teams and marching band to Taylor Swift, cowboy glam, or TikTok themes. Use your order form to submit custom requests.

What Is the Difference Between Classic, Deluxe, and MEGA?

Each level builds on the last:

Classic: Beautiful simplicity with core braids and trims with embellishments

Deluxe: Custom touches, garlands or boas, and more volume

MEGA: Over-the-top luxury with double/triple flowers, extra length, specialty themes

Do You Charge Extra for Sports, Band, or Drill Team Trinkets?

Some premium or licensed accessories may carry an additional fee. Most themes are included in Deluxe and Mega packages.

Do You Offer Rush Orders?

Yes, rush orders are available for an additional fee if we still have capacity. Please email or call us immediately if your need is urgent, we’ll do our best to accommodate.

When and Where Do I Pick Up My Order?

You’ll receive pickup location and time details with your order confirmation. We offer local pickup in Denton County.

Can I Cancel My Order and Receive a Refund?

Cancellations may be eligible for partial refunds only within 24 hours of purchase. Due to the custom nature of our work, no refunds are offered after supplies are purchased or work has begun.

Can I Make a Change to My Order (e.g., name or color)?

Yes, changes can be made up to one week before your delivery date. After that, changes are not guaranteed and may incur a small fee if materials have already been prepared.

Do I Need to Pay in Full When I Order?

You may reserve with a deposit, then pay the balance by your customization deadline. Payment plans and reminders are available upon request.

What Are My Payment Options?

We accept: Credit/debit cards, Venmo/PayPal, Zelle, Apple Pay, Cash

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Feeling Overwhelmed? Let Us Help! We know the options can be dazzling. If you’re not sure where to begin, reach out via email to info@southernbellemums.com. Whether you’re designing your first mum or planning a Mega Mum Moment, we’re here to help with love, joy, and grace!

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