Where to Buy Homecoming Corsage? (Plano, University Park: limo, house, buying)

[TGentry]

Being that we're new(er) to Texas, I'm still learning the ropes about Texas customs relating to homecoming. I didn't realize what a big production it is!!

First, I couldn't believe the whole "mum" thing. I spent $100 on my son's date's mum since I am not crafty and had never seen one before. Next year, I'm sure I can find one cheaper somewhere. Live and learn.

Now, I need to order a corsage. The other parents in the group of 8 are going to an expensive florist for the corsages and boutineers. Would I look like a cheap-o if I order a corsage from say Market Street? Would anyone be able to tell the difference? (I can't believe I'm asking such shallow questions. This is all new to me.)

Finally, we offered to pay for our son's date. Does that mean we pay for her share of the limo as well or just the dance ticket and meal. Obviously we can do what we want, but I'm wondering if there is a custom regarding that.

One additional question... what exactly does a "mum exchange" involve... how long? Is it just handing the other person the mum/garter and then leaving after a little small talk? Does the boy's mom hang around for this? Help!

[FalconheadWest]

You can get a corsage at the local grocery store's floral department. No need to go to a fancy florist.

The mum/garter exchange usually happens at school. We never had parents around for that. Kids took them to school and gave them to the other person, no ceremony. The boutineer/corsage exchange can be 5 minutes or can be 30 minutes depending on if people are all meeting at someone's house for the gathering point, or if they are coming as couples to the limo.

Yes, traditionally, the person who asked the date does pay the date's part of everything.

[Souleiado]

Market Street stores have really nice one , this where I have been buying them for the last 2 years .

[TGentry]

Okay... OP here. I went to Market Street this afternoon and ordered a wrist corsage for $35. The lady showed me the picture, and I was surprised at how big one is... I didn't really like it (baby roses with "wax flowers," which are real flowers, by the way, and some greenery).

I guess I had been picturing something small and dainty, but she said that is what size they are these days!

[jennifw]

Originally Posted by TGentry

I guess I had been picturing something small and dainty, but she said that is what size they are these days!

I am not sure where in the metroplex you are, but remember that *you* are the customer. If you want small and dainty - ask for it! You might also take the dates size into account. If she is small, a huge corsage will just look giant! (but $35 sounds about right)

Good luck with your first Texas homecoming.

[europeanone]

I am taking close notes on this thread as this mum and homecoming thing is also new to me (though we are several years off). OP, what part of DFW are you in? I would imagine (perhaps naively) that a smaller/less expensive/less decorated mum would stand out more in University Park or West Plano and be more the norm in less affluent areas. just a guess. Hoping someone can answer??

I am also curious as to whether it is generally EXPECTED that the boy pays everything for the girl? Does this happen only in 12th grade or also 11th grade? It will break the bank if this limo/ticket/mum-paying business goes on for longer than one year aside from the mums exchange! (Yes, and I too am embarrassed at the shallowness of my questions.)

OP, sorry for hijacking your thread a bit.

[Aceraceae]

When I moved here and first heard about the mum thing I was like WTF. One of the most ridiculous things I've seen.

[Souleiado]

Originally Posted by europeanone

I am taking close notes on this thread as this mum and homecoming thing is also new to me (though we are several years off). OP, what part of DFW are you in? I would imagine (perhaps naively) that a smaller/less expensive/less decorated mum would stand out more in University Park or West Plano and be more the norm in less affluent areas. just a guess. Hoping someone can answer??

I am also curious as to whether it is generally EXPECTED that the boy pays everything for the girl? Does this happen only in 12th grade or also 11th grade? It will break the bank if this limo/ticket/mum-paying business goes on for longer than one year aside from the mums exchange! (Yes, and I too am embarrassed at the shallowness of my questions.)

OP, sorry for hijacking your thread a bit.

Actually the sized the mum would be about the same everywhere, it is the trend. Yes , it is still the tradition that the boys pay for the mum and dinner , and the girls pay for the garter. But only in some schools you will have the all limo, tickets paid by the boy, usually the big show off is reserved for prom, not homecoming. Now on the other hand , asking a girl for homecoming requires a lot of imagination, I have seen cupcakes , paint on car, songs , video.....there is no limit on it. Welcome to Texas, for anybody that didn't grow up here , high school should come with a guide

[MurphyPl1]

Actually the whole asking to Homecoming extravaganza is a relatively new phenomenon, not a long term Texas tradition. And it is NOT expected as the actual mum tradition is.

[Souleiado]

Originally Posted by MurphyPl1

Actually the whole asking to Homecoming extravaganza is a relatively new phenomenon, not a long term Texas tradition. And it is NOT expected as the actual mum tradition is.

I agree that it is recent , and not always expected but especially among sophomore , it is really very common now. My own son had a big surprise that even included the mother of the girl, flowers and spray on the window's car