[steelerbear]

Originally Posted by DeltaBetaBaby

This differs by chapter, because it was not our custom. But I think the point you are making is a good one: you can't buy your pledging/initiation dresses until you know what is required.

If you're a Phi Mu (sorry; I can't tell from your screen name and I don't post often enough to know), I guarantee you it doesn't vary from chapter to chapter. The guidelines are set forth in The Ritual. Many chapters have customs or traditions, but The Ritual always has the final say. For instance: One of our local chapters always used to wear white for the Founders' Day ceremony, until one year they finally decided to join the alumnae and discovered they could wear ANYTHING so long as it was badge appropriate (which is described in the Bylaws). Usually those customs stem from one person not knowing any better and forcing their inexperience on others.