Outfit in one closet. Corsage budget in another text thread. Curfew that somehow became two different times. Prom has too many moving parts to improvise across households the week of.
Start with the teen's plan, then parent logistics. Where is the dance. Who is in the group. How they get there and back. What time they are due home. Same story in both kitchens.
Talk costs before the shopping trip. Tickets, clothes, hair, dinner. Agree on a range without dumping adult money panic on the teen. Keep tense money talk between adults.
Safety is shared. Group numbers. Check-in expectations. What happens if the after-party plan changes at 11. Rules that match closely enough across homes to be enforceable.
Photos can be one location and a time window. Both parents welcome if that is peaceful. If not, split moments and share pictures after. Do not make your teen manage the adult dynamics while holding a boutonniere.
Afterward, ask what felt good and what was stressful. File that for homecoming and next year.