It's probably just a quaint old British custom Starlady
No father is going to say, 'no, I want to keep her at home and support her for the rest of her life' are they?
Added to which, she has probably left home years ago!
The thing is, it is not permission the prospective SIL is seeking - it's a custom to chat to future FIL in advance. Even in this day and age where couples often pay for their own weddings, parents are often expected to pay for a substantial amount and it's only polite.
Good for future relationships.
Fruit flies - help needed please.
Army horses loose on London streets
Have any of you got all electric cars? Pros and cons please.