I dont think what I got was a "dowry". My inlaws/husband certainly didnt ask for anything, nor are they type to expect a typical desi dowry. My parents just gave gifts for me and hubby like clothes, jewelry, makeup, cash and some things for the house -not like washing machines and plasma tvs or anything, just like dishes and bedspreads etc
Thats exactly like my situation.
i was an orphan (didn't have both parents) at the time of my wedding and i gave everything that i got in inheritance to my siblings so i didn't bring anything in my dowry..................all the things i got from my inlaws i gave them back after the wedding........i felt my inlaws were trying to impress me and other family members by all the gold and stuff they gave me so i respectfully returned it back.
Wow...mashallah Hareem! Good on you! May Allah Tallah reward in many other ways! Ameen.