Sorority Wedding Traditions to Honor Your Sisterhood

Weddings are a celebration of love, and for many brides, that includes honoring the sisterhood that shaped who they are. Whether you pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Chi Omega or another sorority, there are countless ways to host a sorority wedding that weaves your organization's symbols, colors and traditions into your big day. There are various ways to honor your sorority sisters while also staying true to your unique love story.

If you're planning a sorority wedding, you might look for ways to include meaningful songs, wedding ceremony readings, strolls or other signature moments. Ahead, we're sharing sorority wedding traditions inspired by both NPHC (Divine Nine) and Panhellenic sisterhoods, from emotional serenades to lively strolls at the reception. Lisa Lee Acevedo, an active and financial member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated–Alpha Alpha Upsilon Zeta Chapter, serving the Downtown NYC area, shares tips on wedding traditions you can use to honor your sisters.

In this article: Sorority Wedding Songs | Sorority Strolls at Weddings | When to Include Sorority Traditions at Weddings

Sorority Wedding Songs

One of the most cherished ways to celebrate your sisterhood is through music. Sorority wedding songs symbolize unity, pride and legacy, often performed during a reception or special moment with sisters. Many brides choose to pause the dancing or make a toast before sorority sisters gather for a rendition of their official song.

"They are all meant to serve the purpose of tradition, sisterhood and pride for our organizations," Acevedo says, adding that songs, hymns and chants have been passed down through many generations and are typically sung at the reception. "All Divine Nine sororities have a hymn/song they sing at the bride's wedding reception, " she explains. "The bride sits in the middle of her sorority sisters who form a circle around her and sing their sorority hymn/sweetheart song and serenade her. It is often a very moving and emotional moment for sorors."

Depending on your organization, the lyrics might express loyalty, love or lifelong bonds. Some songs are emotional and heartfelt, while others are upbeat and perfect for transitioning into a party moment in your wedding reception songs playlist.

"AKA National Hymn" From Alpha Kappa Alpha

The Alpha Kappa Alpha national hymn can double as a wedding song for sorority sisters. It's a sentimental way to honor the legacy of the first historically Black sorority. Brides who are members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority often incorporate the hymn during their reception, surrounded by sisters dressed in signature pink and green.

"O, Alpha Kappa Alpha/Dear Alpha Kappa Alpha/Hearts that are loyal/And hearts that are true/By merit and culture/We strive and we do/Things that are worthwhile/And with a smile/We know each other/For we know there's no other/Like our sisterhood Alpha Kappa Alpha"

Some couples also include an Alpha Kappa Alpha wedding serenade performed by fraternity brothers, or highlight a section of the Alpha Kappa Alpha wedding song lyrics in their ceremony programs as a nod to their heritage.

"Sweetheart Song" From Delta Sigma Theta

A Delta Sweetheart Song wedding moment is a beloved tradition among Delta brides. This touching song honors the deep connection between Delta Sigma Theta sisters and is often sung before or after the bouquet toss.

"She may wear a Kappa diamond/Her love may a Sigma be/But if she wears the Delta Symbol/Then her first love is DST"

The song creates a nostalgic, emotional interlude, which is perfect for reconnecting with your line sisters amid the wedding excitement.

"Shades" From Chi Omega

A Chi Omega "Shades" wedding moment has become iconic among Chi O brides. The Chi Omega wedding song, often referred to as "Shades," celebrates friendship, shared memories and new beginnings.

"In the shades of evening/There will be no grieving/Even though you're leaving/Chi O/Far behind you/There'll be many memories/There'll be many letters /There'll be lonely hours/Till we meet again then"

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This tradition can also include the "Shades" Chi Omega wedding performance, where sisters encircle the bride and softly sing the song together.

"Faithful Sisters" From Phi Mu

The Phi Mu wedding song is heartfelt and personal, often played during the reception as a nod to lasting friendships.

"I pledged Phi Mu/Even then I believe that I knew/The joys I'd share with my sisters my whole life through/And years from now/I'll look back on the good times I knew/Each memory making me glad that I pledged Phi Mu."

Sorority Strolls at Weddings

Incorporating a sorority stroll at your wedding is a fun, high-energy way to bring your sisters together to celebrate your collective pride and identity. "Strolling is essentially a 'party walk' where members of the same organization form a line, and perform choreographed and synchronized dance moves to music playing," Acevedo says. She adds that strolling is rooted in Black heritage in weddings, like ring shouts and African circle dances.

"In the 1960s [and] 1970s, Divine Nine organizations took from their traditions of stepping, and evolved into strolling. Over time, each organization created its own signature style of strolling and songs they would stroll to that associated their sorority identity and organization," she explains.

Sorority strolling at weddings isn't just for fun—it's a powerful expression of community and legacy for people of color. "The cultural significance is the unity among sisters, and proof that our bonds are strong and run deep," Acevedo says. "These traditions showcase our organization's values, mission and claim space in a world that is not always for us. Our traditions give us space to express our joy and pride loudly and publicly."

Many brides opt to include an Alpha Kappa Alpha wedding stroll or similar strolls from other Divine Nine sororities during the reception. Whether it's choreographed or spontaneous, the moment typically brings guests to their feet. It can easily be one of the most memorable wedding reception activities of the night.

Other Sorority Wedding Traditions

Beyond songs and strolls, there are many creative ways to include your sorority sisters in your celebration. "They are usually in the details of the wedding," Acevedo says. Some brides incorporate their organization's colors into floral arrangements, bridesmaid dresses or reception decor. Others wear jewelry with their Greek letters or include a pendant in their bouquet, as seen in this real wedding inspiration.

"There are times where the bride requests that her sorors wear a dress that is their sorority colors or pearls," Acevedo says. "Sometimes they incorporate their sorority flower as part of the arrangements. Seating arrangements, attire, lighting, decor, names of signature cocktails and music requests can also be centered around a bride's sorority."

Sisterhood Circle

A sisterhood circle is a popular addition to sorority weddings, especially within Divine Nine communities. This can take place during the reception, where sisters gather around the bride to share blessings or sing their official hymn.

Bridesmaid or Guest Gifts

Consider gifting your sorority sisters keepsakes like custom fans, monogrammed robes or favors featuring your Greek letters. It is a thoughtful way to honor your bond.

When to Include Sorority Traditions at Weddings

The best time to include sorority traditions depends on your vision for the day. Many couples choose the reception for sorority songs or strolls, when the energy is high and everyone is ready to celebrate. Others include smaller nods during the ceremony or bridal prep moments.

As long as the traditions align with your story and comfort level, your wedding is the perfect place to celebrate your sisterhood and the women who helped you become who you are. For even more ideas on meaningful celebrations, explore wedding traditions and superstitions for inspiration.