Adrian Enrique was nervous when he popped the question to Leah Smeenk.

And he had been even more nervous when he sought permission from her mom and dad first.

“I wanted to make sure I did it right,” said Enrique, 25, of Orlando, Fla. “It’s a ritual. It shows respect. You just start out on the right foot with the parents.”

Although seeking permission from a woman’s father is no longer a societal must, many prospective grooms still do it as a way to gain the trust, respect or friendship of their future fathers-in-law. Some include mothers in the conversation. ...

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