The Zamala Journal
The people who make Vancouver celebrate.
Spotlights, guides and stories from the event Pros our community loves.
How to plan a sangeet or mehndi night in Metro Vancouver
The room, the sound, the henna, the food and the paper, and where to start if your wedding falls between December and the spring.
November 4, 20265 min read
Wedding flowers in Vancouver, piece by piece: the list to bring to your florist
Every piece a wedding can have, what decides how many of each, what it tends to cost, and what to drop when the quote comes back.
October 31, 20266 min read
Private dining in Vancouver for 10 to 40 guests: rooms, buy-outs and how to arrange it
What the headcount changes, set and family-style menus for a group, how much notice to give, bringing your own wine, and a private chef who cooks at your home.
October 30, 20266 min read
How far ahead to hire for a December celebration in Vancouver
Realistic lead times for caterers, DJs, bakers and photographers, what to put in your first message, and how to plan if you're starting in late October.
October 24, 20265 min read
How to hire a bartender for a home party in Vancouver
How many you need, who buys the alcohol, whether a party at home needs a permit, Serving It Right, and what to ask before you hire.
October 22, 20266 min read
How to throw an office holiday party on a small budget in Vancouver
Where a small number goes furthest, lunch or evening, the office or a community-centre room, and when a liquor permit comes in.
October 16, 20266 min read
Fall engagement photos in Vancouver: where to go before the rain sets in
The gardens, beaches and forests worth the trip this fall, when the light is best, what to do when it pours, and the rules some parks set for a photo session.
October 14, 20266 min read
Rehearsal dinner and welcome party in Vancouver: where to hold it, by neighbourhood
Where in Metro Vancouver to hold the night before the wedding, how guests without cars get there and back, and the rules if you take it outdoors.
October 3, 20265 min read
How to plan a 40th or 50th birthday dinner in Vancouver
The guest list, the room, the liquor permit, the rain and the ride home, for a milestone dinner in Vancouver.
September 26, 20266 min read
How to hire a caterer for a small event in Vancouver (20 to 60 guests)
Small gatherings have their own rules. How to find the right caterer, what to ask, and where the money goes.
September 9, 20263 min read
7 questions to ask a Vancouver wedding photographer before you hire them
Every portfolio looks beautiful. The conversation is where you find out who is right for you.
September 9, 20263 min read
How to plan a blended wedding both families will love
Two traditions, one celebration. How to honour both without doubling everything.
September 9, 20263 min read
A backyard wedding in Vancouver: what you actually need
Everything a venue quietly provides, you will be bringing in. The list.
September 9, 20263 min read