What Should You Do If Your Parents Don't Approve of Your Engagement?

- Talk through the issues. If your family’s problem is due to your sweetheart’s gender, race, religion, or class status, you’ll need to stand your ground and hope you can get them to give up their prejudices for your sake. Should their qualms be about one or both of your ages or your partner’s behavior, it might be helpful to hear them out. Perhaps there are some red flags you missed, and if not, you can reassure them that you’ve thought it through. In either situation, family counseling can be helpful. 

- Consider a longer engagement. Giving your parents some time to get used to the idea might help things along, especially if that period is used to show why you want to get married. If it still doesn’t work, at least you’ll know you tried.

- Focus on your found family. Unfortunately, not every family is able to come together for these special occasions. If your relatives still refuse to show up for your big day, be sure to lean on your friends for support, as well as future in-laws.

- Elope! If trying to get your family to come around is too stressful and painful, it may be healthiest to embrace your love and get married with just the two of you. It can also be a smart move financially, considering many couples count on help from their parents to pay for the wedding. Just be prepared that taking this step could lead to long-term estrangement if you're not careful.

For more advice, learn what conversations you should have with your parents after you get engaged and find out how to handle a bridesmaid dropping out of your wedding.