Weddings are a sacred convention that flow from the past, are renewed in the present and bequeathed to the future-a momentous rite of passage, to be acknowledged with the finest human spirit. A popular move from singledom to companions-for-life. Gifts for this occasion highlight joy, good luck, happiness, fertility and success.

Wedding gifts are largely prescribed by religion, culture and social norms. Each part of the world has a different gift ritual that dictates moves. Again, your role in the wedding (participant or guest), your age, relationship and economic status control what you give and how.

As prospective couples on the threshold to seventh heaven, gifts revolve around joint hopes and dreams. Wedlock signals home and lifestyle gifts, music, art and luxury. Nothing but the best for each other.

Parents of the couple offer gifts that are indicative of their hopes and aspirations for their offspring. Gifts embrace a noble legacy of family values, traditions and symbols. A wedding ceremony/reception with a difference, jewelry, trousseau, heirlooms, an automobile, sterling stock options, antiques, gift certificates-parents can go over the top.

Family members' wedding gifts are individualistic, according to age, relationship to the couple and levels of intimacy. The focus is gaiety and jubilation through silver, crystal, china, home dcor, electronic gifts, collectibles, and designer-wear. Pre-nuptial parties, cocktails and dinner are other elaborate and stylish offerings.

Friends respond to the union in varied ways. Cheery, jocular, nostalgic, doting, heartfelt - the raison d'etres of gift bestowal vary accordingly. Sentiment-driven shopping can include honeymoon kits, lace, linen, candle stands, marriage or recipe books, learn-salsa-together memberships, sports goods, gift subscriptions, naughty somethings.

Business associates and far-flung guests restrain themselves to bouquets, wine, clothing accessories and other modest, congratulatory tokens of congratulation.

Wedding time is bonhomie time. Dress it up, party hard, go wild with the confetti. It's an event of celestial proportions that calls for only the best of human passion and merriment. Heady incense that lingers happily ever after.