Also: I think dowries are unrelated, in fact the opposite. Dowries existed in a time where women were not valued, because taking them on might be seen as an ex

Also: I think dowries are unrelated, in fact the opposite. Dowries existed in a time where women were not valued, because taking them on might be seen as an expense. So men got some 'free stuff' in addition. Also, to be fair, men got the inheritance, so a dowry could be viewed as a kind of inheritance for the bride as well. As far as 'cost and perception' - my feeling is that this is mostly not being driven by the groom's need to sacrifice, rather by bride's need to have 'perfect weddings'. Personal experiences are not entirely scientific, but I've been to probably a couple of dozen weddings and in 100% of the cases, the grooms were not hugely interested in the organization, and were a little wary of all the spending. The brides were keen and eager to plan, to make the experience whatever they were. Marriage magazines etc. cater almost exclusively to women, for example.