Hollywood Forever Resources
A History of Burial and Green Solutions
When a loved one passes, the number of decisions to be made can sometimes be overwhelming. The how and why behind these decisions are all weighed and valued differently; informed by the loved one’s life story, family priorities, and cultural norms. When an answer or decision on how to honor the passing of a loved one is not clear, we can look[...]
Recent Articles
How To Write a Thank You Note After a Funeral
After a loved one passes, you may very well receive support and help from others close to you or perhaps even strangers willing to lend a hand, especially during a funeral. Perhaps they wrote letters, sent flowers, or provided their services. Writing thank you notes can be a wonderful way to acknowledge them. A thank you note after a funeral is[...]
Top 5 Historical Cemeteries
Cemeteries are often a precise physical representation of the cultural, religious, and artistic beliefs of every historical period. Occasionally, preconceptions or stereotypes position cemeteries as sometimes sad or even creepy places, but cemeteries can be beautiful sites of both national and personal history.
The following five[...]
What Is a Sustainable Funeral?
A sustainable funeral, also known as an eco-friendly burial, is a ceremony that honors the life lived in a very natural way. As we have become further aware of our carbon footprint and impact on the environment, many people have begun to consider the concept of sustainable funerals in place of traditional burials as they are often considered[...]
A Brief History of Cremation
Cremation is a funeral or post-funeral rite that serves as a way of honoring a life well lived. Though it is an ancient practice that dates back to at least the Stone Age, it has run the gamut of Western opinion. In some eras, it was widely accepted, and in others, it was almost entirely shunned.
The history of cremation, at least in[...]
How to Cope with Grief by Getting Creative
When faced with the loss of a loved one, whether sudden or prepared for, people can often find themselves adrift in their own grief. Unsure of where to focus their attention on or what to do to distract themselves, they can sometimes find the day-to-day struggle of simply living to be unbearable. What are we supposed to do with our grief? How[...]
Learning to Live After Losing a Loved One
People who have recently lost someone may often find themselves overwhelmed, not only by emotion, but by the necessary steps they’ll need to take moving forward. This can include writing an obituary, planning a memorial service, choosing a burial plan, or picking flowers and headstones. But what happens after that? When the initial whirlwind[...]
Coping With Grief in the Age of Social Media
Social media is a familiar part of our everyday lives. It can make us feel more connected, yet at times perhaps more isolated. This paradox can feel especially true if you might have recently lost a loved one. You may have hundreds or thousands of friends or followers online, but only wish to speak to a few intimate relationships about your[...]
Things to Consider When Choosing a Grave Marker or Monument
Whether you are pre-planning for a funeral or dealing with an unexpected loss, there will be many decisions to make regarding the memorialization of the person who has passed away. Choosing between different burial options and even which types of flowers to gather, can be overwhelming. But what will you choose when it comes to identifying the[...]
How to Plan an Environmentally Friendly Funeral
As the planet we inhabit faces its many challenges, many people are asking themselves what part they can play in helping the environment. While some have dedicated themselves to lessening their carbon footprint with steps such as driving only on certain days and others have cut out single-use plastics, many people are still considering how[...]
