Inside the glamorous world of Bama Rush + Bid Day [PHOTOS]

One of the glitziest events in the state just drew to a close. 

Rush Week at the University of Alabama—or, more commonly, Bama Rush—is officially over.

The girls have “run home”—and our team was there to capture the magic. 

What is Bama Rush?

UA’s utterly fabulous sorority recruitment process was thrust into the national spotlight a few years ago. 

Potential New Members (PNMs) would post “Outfit of the Day” videos to social media, showcasing thousands of dollars in jewelry and luxury clothing items. 

Folks across the nation (and possibly the globe) were transfixed with the high-value outfits, and the intricate, multi-day process to even get a “bid” from one of the houses. 

PNMs meet with each of the 19 sororities over the course of a week. One day focuses on the philanthropic endeavors of each sorority. Another day is full of coordinated dances and cheers. Throughout the week, the houses and girls rank each other—whittling down the list of potential houses for each girl. 

All culminating in Bid Day where the PNMs get an envelope with their matched house and do a mad dash across campus to run home. 

What happens now?

You’d think after a full week of glamorous excitement, that the PNMs are now simply members.  

But there are a few more steps. The largest of which is initiation, typically occurring a few months after Bid Day—when the girls have proven themselves to the sisterhood. 

Our team won’t be there for that secret ceremony, nor can I speak to much of what happens there. What I do know is that, once initiated, the girls become sisters for life. Women meet their bridesmaids here or their children’s godparents. 

And that sisterhood runs strong. It’s got a 100+ year legacy and fosters friendships that will last a lifetime.

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