I got engaged in 2004 and I told my parents about my intentions beforehand. When I talked to her parents (divorced, so I talked to both mom and dad), I told them that I was planning to propose to their daughter and it would mean a lot to me, and I was sure her as well, if they would offer their blessing. I already knew that I’d get a positive answer but this was my way of saying that the decision was solely between me and her, but that it would be nice if the parents supported it.