This is it. You're sitting in the back of the church; you hear the music playing and the murmurs of the guests as they arrive. Your groomsmen occasionally poke their heads in the door to take a peek at you and make sure you're not hyperventilating, which, of course, you're not. One of them tells you that the bride's limo has arrived; it's almost time … you can't believe this moment has finally arrived.

Take it all in. Although you may feel downright weird because none of this seems as strange as you thought it would, realize that you're going to do this once. You won't get this day back. Do it right.

Pinch Yourself

Given to the giggles when you're nervous and/or happy? Try to quell them, if it's at all possible. Instead of whispering to your best man as your bride comes down the aisle, watch every step she takes; does she look nervous, happy, flustered? Remember: You're her rock. She wants this day to be perfect, remember — so try to avoid any behavior that would put her more on edge.

E-nun-ci-ate

When it comes time to recite your vows, take your time. There's nothing more frustrating for your guests than not being able to hear the one thing they all showed up for — the vows. Take your time, look into your bride's eyes, and say it like you mean it.

If you've written your own vows, you may know them by heart — which may encourage you to rush right through them. Don't. You've taken the time to find the exact words to express your feelings for this woman — let everyone hear what you have to say.

The Kiss

Some couples discuss the kiss at the altar prior to the ceremony; to others, it seems like the least of their worries.

Consider this: Have you ever been to a wedding where the couple gave each other the quickest little smack on the lips and you were left asking your date, “That was it? That's their kiss? Did they just take vows to be lifelong friends or husband and wife?”

Maybe not. Women notice these things more often than men do; however, your kiss will be captured on film and on video. Knowing this may only heighten your performance anxiety, but this is the moment you have to rise to the occasion and say, “The heck with the onlookers — I'm going to kiss my wife!”

Now, this doesn't mean that you should go all-out and give her the most passionate kiss you can muster — the kiss should be somewhere between the extremes. No one wants to see any groping at the altar; but the crowd wants something more satisfying than a peck on the cheek.

A good, long kiss with the appropriate amount of enthusiasm will do the trick. Practice all you want before the ceremony — this is something you want to get right.

The Big Exit

When the ceremony is over, the officiant will announce to the guests, “Ladies and Gentleman, it is my pleasure to present Mr. and Mrs. John Jones” — or something to that effect — and there will be clapping and excitement. The toughest part is over — show your extreme joy as the two of you leave the altar. Don't be afraid to cling to your new wife a little more tightly than you thought you would; don't shy away from showing your huge grin because you always imagined this day would find you feeling mature and serious. Go with the feelings you're experiencing — don't try to present some sort of wedding front. These are the pictures that are keepers.