Little Things You May Forget for Formal Recruitment

Soon it will be that time of year again... recruitment season! That means matching outfits, loud chants, and lots of water.

You may think you have everything ready for formal recruitment coming up, but there are some smaller items you might easily forget. Use this checklist to see if you are prepared for any surprises:

Clothing:

• Name tag - if your chapter doesn't hold onto them
• Badge - for pref night
• Safety pins/sewing kit- it happens
• Heels - sometimes you forget you're only wearing Uggs
• Jewelry - not the end of the world if you forget it, but you'll want your favorite watch or Alex & Ani bracelet in your photos

Hair:

• Hairspray - a stuffy room full of women could ruin your do!
• Bobby pins - if you find yourself pushing your hair back a lot, maybe just pin it back
• Comb - or a brush, but don't let your hair get full of static #notagoodlook

Makeup:

• All make up
• Just bring it all

Supplies:

• Scissors - you will probably need to cut a loose string, tape, flower stems, or slips of paper
• Pens and highlighters - to take any notes for future reference and to keep organized
• Hammer and nails or a screwdriver - I don't know how crazy your decorations get

Random:

• Tampons - I'm sure at least one person will thank you
• Deodorant - MANY people will thank you. TIP: get the spray can version to share
• Hand sanitizer - those are a lot of hands you will be shaking
• Mints - lots of mints
• Red Bull (and water)- TIP: put some Red Bull in small cups to make "Red Bull shots" or make "water shots" for recruiters to hydrate in between parties
• Batteries - if you have battery-powered candles
• Napkins - if you're serving refreshments (in that case you will need a slew of other things: cups, trays, plates...)
• Lint roller - for those times when random stuff shows up on your outfit
• Tide-To-Go - for those times when WORSE random stuff shows up on your outfit
• Song/chant lyrics - you should have them memorized already but a refresher wouldn't hurt!
• Recruitment schedule - you'll be needing that
• Steamer - if someone is willing to schlep it, this will help with table cloths or wrinkled outfits
• Coat hangers - a nice touch may be to collect coats and bags if the potential new members come in carrying them
• Snack - make sure it is a "clean" snack that won't stain or leave grease
• First Aid kit - let's hope you won't have to use it
• Music playlist - if you are having music playing/if you have a skit with music
• Cell phone charger - just a suggestion
• Bid cards - to give to your new members!!!
• SMILE - the best thing some women forget is to have a smile on. Not only will it make potential new members comfortable but it will make your sisters happy to see you having a good time.

Have other last-minute items that would be helpful? Comment or tweet at us so we can add it to the list!

Happy recruiting!

56 Thoughts Every Single Woman Has When She Needs a Formal Date

1. Ugh...
2. I had to get a date for a dance like a month ago.
3. Who on earth am I supposed to ask?
4. A fraternity guy?
5. Or should I change it up and ask someone not in a fraternity?
6. But will he have any friends then?
7. I need my date to have friends there!
8. I wonder who Jessica is taking?
9. Maybe I'll just ask her date's friend.
10. No, no. I can do this.
11. I need to make a mental list of options.
12. Nope, got nothing.
13. GREAT, I HAVE NO ONE.
14. Why does this happen?
15. I'm smart! I'm pretty! I'm a total package!
16. OK, pep talk over.
17. How many more of these do I need to get dates for?
18. Two more crush parties, one more date party, two more formals.
19. Where are these dates supposed to come from?
20. Am I supposed to be more social?
21. Maybe I am supposed to go out more.
22. Or maybe I need to talk to people in my classes.
23. It's too late to meet someone new to ask.
24. That would be terrifying.
25. "Hi, nice to meet you! Be my formal date."
26. It's coming down to that, though.
27. What if I just take a girl?
28. It's 2014.
29. I can take whoever I want!
30. I don't need a man.
31. Who said I need to take a man?
32. Let me brainstorm guys before I commit to that idea.
33. Mark, Chris, Ryan...
34. I'll just ask Mark. And go down the list.
35. Wait, I should check Facebook.
36. Make sure there are no surprises.
37. Ok... ok... looks fine.
38. Wow, I'm creepy.
39. Whatever, it's research.
40. I just need to suck it up and ask someone.
41. But this is crucial.
42. This is the person who will be in my prom-like photos.
43. I pay good money for this dance.
44. I need someone good.
45. Good for pictures?
46. Or like good for dancing?
47. What if I went alone?
48. Would anyone actually notice?
49. You know what, I have my sisters.
50. That's all I need!
51. Music, new dress, and sisters.
52. I have that going for me.
53. I'll just worry about this later.
54. I still have 3 days before the social chair hunts me down.
55. Phew, that was exhausting.
56. Time for Chipotle.