When Should You Order a Homecoming Mum? (Even If You Don't Know Your Date Yet)

If you've been wondering whento order a homecoming mum - you're not alone.

Every year, parents across Midland, Odessa, and the Permian Basin start asking the same question:

"Do I need to know the homecoming date before I order?

Short answer?

No.

Long answer? Let's break it down so you can plan without stress.

When Should You Order a Texas Homecoming Mum?

In West Texas, the ideal time to order your homecoming mum is late spring through early summer - especially for custom or senior builds.

Why so early?

Because by the time school starts in August, designers are already deep into production.

If your student wants:

• A senior statement build

• A Texas-shaped design

• LED lights

• Speicalty braids

• Custom themes

• Luxe width builds

Waiting until September can limit your options.

The families who order early typically get:

• Full design flexibility

• First access to specialty ribbon colors

• Custom add-ons without rush fees

• Peace of mind

And honestly? That peace of mind is worth it.

Do I Need to Know My Schoo's Homecoming Date Before Ordering?

No-and most families don't.

Homecoming dates are often released alter in the summer. But experienced designers build based on school patterns and historical scheduling.

If you're ordering from a local designer, we already know:

• Midland schools typically hold homecoming in mid fall

• Odessa schools follow similar timelines, with Odessa high being the first homecoming of the season

• Smaller Permian Basin schools vary

You do not need the exact date to secure your design spot.

When dates are officially released, pickup windows are adjusted accordingly.

What Happens If I Wait Too Long?

This is where things get tricky.

By late August and September:

• Senior builds have been booked out

• Luxe designs have limited availability

• Specialty materials begin to sell out

• Designers may have already closed custom orders

Last-minute orders often mean:

• Fewer ribbon color options

• Simplified builds

• Limited add-ons

• Higher stress

And nobody wants stress during football season.

When Do VIP Spots Open?

VIP reservations typically open in early spring. For us, it opens in May.

Why May?

Because juniors will be becoming seniors in just a few months.

Families start thinking ahead.

And early planning creates better builds.

Reserving early doesn't mean you have to know every detail. It simply means:

• Your custom build spot is secured

• Your design tier is locked in

• You get priority scheduling

Details like themes, braids, charms, and specialty colors can be finalized later.

Does This Apply to All Grade Levels?

Yes.

While incomming seniors tend to plan earlier - especially for our Legacy, Legend or Luxe builds - younger students also benefit from ordering early.

Mini and Junior designs are shorter and simpler, but they still book out during peak season.

The earlier you plan, the more choices you'll have.

If you're unsure about sizing, you can always reference our full Texas Homecoming Mum Size Guide for a breakdown of Mini, Junior, Classic, Signature, Legacy, Legend and Luxe builds.

What About Garters for Boys?

Timing matters for garters too.

Even though garters are smaller than mums, they are still custom builds.

If you're ordering a coordinating set, secure both at the same time.

If you're unsure how garters differ from mums, read out guide on Homecoming Garters for Boys for full details.

Early Ordering vs. Last-Miute Ordering

Here's the honest difference:

Early Order Last-Minute Order

---

full customization Limited options

Specialty ribbon access Standard colors only

Design flexibility Simplified builds

Lower stress Rush pressure / fees

Homecoming should feel exciting - not chaotic.

Final Thoughts on Timing

If you're asking whether it's "too early" to order - it probably isn't.

The families who secure their builds in May or June are the ones who:

• Get exactly what they want

• Avoice season stress

• Enjoy the process

You don't need the homecoming date.

You don't need every design detail figured out.

You just need to reserve your spot.

And then we build from there.