I went through formal rush in Jan. 2000. We were allowed to visit a max of 2 houses on Pref Night, and I visited Kappa Alpha Theta and Chi Omega.
First I went to the Chi-O party. All the sisters were wearing black dresses. I remember standing in a big circle while the sisters recited their "Symphony" (I think?) and a few spoke about what their sorority meant to them. I think some of them cried. Then each rushee was instructed to step forward (one girl at a time) and put her carnation in a "well" and make a wish.
Second was Theta. Again, all the sisters wore black dresses. A group of them stood before the group and recited their Pref Night poem. Each rushee walked forward and placed a wildflower in a vase at the front of the room. The finished bouquet of a variety of types of flowers was to symbolize individuals coming together to make a beautiful whole. They told us to look around as this was going on to see who might be in our pledge class. After that, they showed us a short video, which was just words on the TV screen set to the music from Forrest Gump (the feather part...). That was really cool.
Anyway, I am a Theta.
I think I am a lot more "touched" by our pref ceremony now, than I was when I was rushing.