10 hidden costs that drive up wedding budgets

We've asked the experts to clue us in on their insider secrets for avoiding those little-known financial pitfalls — all those pricey extras that slide in under the radar — and sticking to your wedding budget. Here are their 10 tips.

Why it's hidden: The cost of the band includes fees for the musicians' time and the minimum amount of equipment needed. If your reception space is extra-large, then additional speakers and microphones could possibly be required to project the best sound quality.

The cost: Anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

How to avoid it: Before booking your wedding band or DJ, clearly explain the layout of the space (or have them check it out, if they're willing) so the vendors know exactly what they're working with. If they want extra equipment, have them explain why it's necessary before you sign a contract or agree to pay for anything else.

Why it's hidden: Stationers don't advertise the shipping costs; if they did, you might decide to go with simpler (read: cheaper) invitations.

The cost: Oversized, awkwardly shaped and bulky invitations can cost as much as $2 each to mail.

How to avoid it: Skip the fancy boxed invites and multilayered cards, which can bulk up quickly and cost a lot more than you bargained for.

The cost: A simple hem can be less than $100, but rebuilding a bodice or moving zippers can send the price upward of $500.

How to avoid it: Ask about what the store charges for every alteration you may need before you purchase the gown.

Why it's hidden: Your band, DJ, photographer and videographer are booked for just a certain amount of time, so if your wedding runs a little longer than you expected, they'll charge per hour.

The cost: Starting at $250 per hour.

How to avoid it: Factor in additional time for getting dressed and taking photos; that way, you can book your vendors for a realistic amount of time. Get overtime costs in writing (they shouldn't be more than 50 percent more per hour than the regular rate) so you'll know what to expect if you decide to keep the party going.

The cost: Up to $7 per bag.

How to avoid it: During the booking process, ask about the hotel's policy on receiving and delivering welcome bags to guests' rooms. It may be free or cheaper if they hand the bags out at the counter as guests check in. If you don't want the extra charge, you can distribute them at the rehearsal dinner.

Why it's hidden: You'd assume that rental companies would include these fees in the per-item costs (do they honestly think you're going to fit 150 chiavari chairs in your own car?), but surprisingly they don't.

The cost: From $50 to more than $500.

How to avoid it: Ask the rental company what its shipping and packaging fees are up front — if the cost is too high for your budget, shop around a bit. You just might find that you'll actually save some money by renting items from a more expensive company that includes delivery costs in its pricing.

The cost: This will depend on the total amount of money you're spending as well as the location of the event (taxes vary in different areas).

How to avoid it: There's no getting around paying taxes, but paying the entire bill in one lump sum can help lower the overall price. A safe bet: Tack on an extra third of your total costs to your budget for tips and taxes.

Why it's hidden: If you use the cake or booze provided by your reception site, the charge is typically wrapped into the cost. Going with an outside baker or vino can raise the price. Why? Because your venue's workers are responsible for slicing and serving each piece, then cleaning the dishes. This means more work for their staff.

The cost: From $2 to $5 per guest for the cake; from $1.50 to $3 for every bottle the venue opens.

How to avoid it: Calculate the cake-cutting and corkage fees before you decide to go with an outside source for either.

The cost: While a full-service venue won't charge for these things, if you're paying a flat fee to rent the space only, anticipate fees for garbage removal (up to $250), freight elevator use (up to $150) and cleaning (up to $500). And even most full-service venues require same-day setup and cleanup. So if you're getting married on a weekend, expect to pay time and a half for labor, and if your party goes into the wee hours of the morning, you may face extra charges for late-night pickup and cleanup.

How to avoid it: Read your contract carefully — the setup and breakdown costs should be included in the labor charge.

Why it's hidden: Some venues require you to use caterers or florists from their preferred vendor list — and tack on a fee if you don't.

The cost: Usually an extra 20 percent or more.