What is a homecoming mum and do people wear them in Michigan?
The Short Answer
A homecoming mum is a decorated corsage built around a large chrysanthemum with ribbons, charms, and school colors, worn to celebrate homecoming. While the elaborate mum tradition is strongest in the South, many Michigan students wear a simpler mum corsage or a classic fall corsage in school colors instead.
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What a homecoming mum actually is
A homecoming mum started as a real chrysanthemum corsage given before the big fall game and grew, especially in Texas, into an elaborate creation with ribbons, bells, charms, and trinkets that can drape well past the waist. The flower represents school spirit, and the ribbons and charms often spell names, sports, or graduation years. Guys sometimes wear a smaller matching version called a garter on the arm. It is equal parts corsage and keepsake.
How Michigan students usually do it
In Genesee County, the giant Texas-style mum is less common. Most local students who want to mark homecoming choose a tasteful mum corsage or a fall-themed wrist corsage in their school colors. Think a single bold chrysanthemum or a cluster of spray flowers with ribbons in the team's colors, sometimes with a small charm or the year. It is a fun, school-spirited option that fits our region's more understated take on the tradition.
Building one at Bentley Florist
Our designers are happy to build homecoming corsages in any local school's colors, from a simple wrist piece around $25 to $45 to a more decorated ribbon design at the higher end. Because homecoming lands in September and October, we can also lean into seasonal touches — warm oranges, deep reds, and rich greenery that suit Michigan autumn. Bring your school colors and any charm ideas, and we will assemble something spirited and photo-ready.
Planning Tips From Our Designers
- Choose your school colors for the ribbons and accents.
- A single bold mum makes a clean, spirited corsage.
- Add a charm or graduation year for a keepsake touch.
- Order a week or two ahead of the homecoming game.
- Lean into fall tones — orange, red, and rich greenery.
Ready to send something beautiful?
Bentley Florist offers same-day delivery throughout Burton, Flint, and Genesee County — arranged by hand, delivered with care.
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