This practice is highly recommended. It has been found that the initiation ceremony itself is made more effective if the delivery of the charge is delegated to an prominent local alumnus. Regardless of how these arrangements are handled, the alumni should be invited to attend the initiation ceremony, for this ceremony is one of the closest bonds they have with the Fraternity and the chapter. Initiation should be the high point of a Delt's membership. It is a time for celebration.
Many chapters invite parents to the post-initiation celebration.
If a new initiate's father is a Delt, special care, should be given to see that he is in attendance at his son's initiation. Few moments can be more inspirational or emotional than seeing Delta Tau Delta connect between father and son. The initiation ceremony introduces the neophyte to the inner workings of the Fraternity, so every effort should be made to create an impression upon him that will remain an inspiration for the rest of his years in the Fraternity. The Rite of Iris is a dignified pre-initiation ceremony which was adopted by the Karnea in 1929. Although its use is optional, many chapters throughout the Fraternity have been using the ceremony for many years with great success.