“The Rules” are that the bride’s side pays for the wedding,meaning the caterer. The groom’s side pays for the FLOP(S), which are Flowers, Liquor, Orchestra, Photographer (and Sheitel).
We didn’t go by the rules, we split the costs 50-50 with our machetonim for each of two weddings, and it was a great decision. Both sides had about the same nymber of guests, so that may be a strong factor in doing it that way.
The ikker is to TALK with your machetonim and reach a decision together without any rancor.