Event To Cherish

Early preparations for Preference is paramount so that members are allowed adequate time to get ready for this special event. Members will need time to buy dresses, arrange food and coordinate the ceremony. Then, during Preference, members will have to be ready for conversations. Here are some tips from Wendy Bright, Recruitment Consultant.

Dress and Appearance

Make sure to look your absolute best.

• Attire should represent Fraternity colors: red, buff, and green, or white/off-white.
• Some chapters choose to pick several patterns for members to select from, and then have dresses made from the same fabric so that everything coordinates.
• Remember to find appropriate undergarments for your dress.

Food

Just as decorations should compliment attire and the Fraternity’s symbols, so should food.

• Serve food that’s easy to eat and not messy.
• Examples of food that coordinate with attire and decorations include: cheesecake with raspberries and a mint leaf; sorbet; sparkling cider with a raspberry floating in the glass and sparkling water with a lime garnish.

Ceremony

The tone of the Preference event is serious and should showcase our sisterhood. Chapters should evaluate their Preference rounds annually to ensure it adequately reflects the members of the chapter at that time. Additionally, chapters should finalize their Preference ceremony several months before recruitment and have members memorize parts and practice regularly.

Ceremonies should include women who represent the entire chapter in the best light. Chapters should choose songs and phrases that will inspire potential new members to choose Alpha Gamma Delta.

• Songs should represent the mood of the ceremony.
• If your chapter does not have strong soloists, consider having a group of women sing together.
• The entire chapter should sing for the entrance and/or exit.

Some phrases that can be included in your ceremony include:

• "You are here today because we see qualities in each other you that we want in our sisterhood."
• "Search your heart and consider seeing yourself as a part of Alpha Gamma Delta."
• "It is our hope that your decision as you leave here will be to make your sorority home in Alpha Gamma Delta."

Conversations

Because, ideally, chapter members are matched with potential new members with whom they have made a connection during recruitment, members should make an effort to prepare a conversation. You will know information about them and their interests before they come in your events. Use that information to foster conversation.