Whether the dowry is given to the bride's parents or to the bride can be determined according to local customs. The dowry can include the bride's parents, as the original intention of the dowry is to thank the bride's parents for raising their daughter to adulthood over the years. The bride's parents can also give the dowry money to their daughter as private money for future needs. It can also serve as start-up capital for new families and assist them.
The handling method of dowry:
1. Gift to parents
The dowry, also known as the "betrothal gift", refers to the money or goods given by the groom to the bride's family before marriage, originally intended to thank the bride's parents for raising their daughter to adulthood over the years. So, the dowry money should belong to the property of the bride.
The parents of the bride can decide how to handle the dowry money, whether to keep it for their own retirement, give it directly to their daughter, or give a small amount as a dowry to the young couple. Regardless of the method, it is the responsibility of the bride's parents, and the decision on the bride price lies with them.
2. The bride's parents gave the dowry money to their daughter as private money
Although the dowry is a gift given by the groom to the bride's parents, usually the bride's parents rarely use this money. Most parents will give the dowry money to their daughters and usually say, "You keep this money as your own private money, in case there is a need for money temporarily." Moreover, in social customs, the dowry is given to the bride's parents, who only give it to their daughters when they feel sorry for their daughters.
3. As the start-up capital for a new family
After both men and women form a new family, various expenses are inevitable. Some women's parents take good care of their daughters and sons in law, hoping that they can have a better life. They will subsidize a portion of the dowry received and return it to the new family as start-up funds for the small family.