The main difference between betrothal gifts and dowries lies in their meanings and ownership rights.
1、 Different meanings
1. Betrothal gifts
The betrothal gift refers to a gift given by the groom's family to the bride's family after both parties confirm their romantic relationship or before the engagement. The content of a betrothal gift is mostly money and items, with money generally being less than the dowry money, while items are mostly houses, cars, three types of gold, etc.
2. Dowry
Dowry is the dowry and property prepared by the bride's family on the day of her marriage for the groom. Such as houses, cars, clothing, furniture, and other items. The customs and habits vary in different regions, and the dowry prepared will also differ.
2、 Different ownership rights
1. Betrothal gifts
Legally speaking, the dowry is given by the groom to the bride's family and belongs to the bride's parents' property.
2. Dowry
If the bride does not receive a marriage certificate when giving a dowry, then the dowry given by the bride's family belongs to the bride's personal property.
If the dowry is given to the newlyweds after obtaining the marriage certificate, it belongs to the joint property of both parties.