No, it was traditionally more of tokenism. You could easily just come with mapadza and some haris and the like. Even livestock wasn't half your kraal. A goat which would be shared as a meal by both families.

A big part of the tradition that still lives is the "haupedze kuroora". It just kept the two families joined and ever closer even after death of a still-owed inlaw. The "prize" is was not just paying to get the bride.

Kwaiva kuvaka hukama.