Its also generally cultural that the bride and groom stay with he's folks for at least awhile hence they get to enjoy the "gifts" and even keep them even if the couple then move out! Another famous dowry demand is that the bride foots the entire wedding expense! hows that then? My friend in SL actually married a guy who's parents got her folks to sponsor the whole wedding at a five star hotel(The Hilton)! The marriage didn't even last(sheesh..no surprise there,huh) and her folks are still in debt due to this!
I know its crazy and disgusting but still happens.