A bride price is a gift or money that a man gives to his wife before marrying her. Usually at the time of engagement, the man sends the bride price to the woman's home. Legally, the bride price belongs to the woman's parents. A dowry is the money or goods that are given to a woman by her parents on the day of her marriage. Legally, the dowry given before marriage belongs to the woman's personal property, and the dowry given after marriage belongs to the property jointly owned by the couple.
First, the difference in definition
1. Bride price
In the marriage custom, bride price refers to the goods or money that the man gives to the woman before marrying her, including goods and gift money. Mainly according to the requirements of the woman, or the result of the negotiation of the two sets the amount of gift and the type and quantity of goods. It is usually delivered by the man to the woman's home at the time of engagement. If there is no engagement process, it needs to be delivered to the woman's home before the wedding.
2. Dowry
The dowry is the wedding supplies and property prepared by the woman's family on the day of her marriage. Such as houses, cars, clothing, furniture and other supplies. The dowry prepared varies according to local customs.
Second, the difference of ownership rights at the legal level
1. Bride price
Legally speaking, the bride price is given by the man to the woman's family and is the property of the woman's parents.
2. Dowry
If the dowry is presented when the couple does not receive a marriage certificate, then the dowry presented by the woman's family belongs to the woman's personal property.
If the dowry is given after the couple obtains the marriage certificate, the dowry is the joint property of the couple.