Good Grief Celebrations is a memorial tribute company, working within any budget. We can be as creative as your budget allows! Celebrating the lives of loved ones departed, and those who are terminally ill is our specialty.

We work solely with the bereaved in helping to commemorate the lives of their loved ones. Other family affairs such as weddings, birthday celebrations, and baby showers won’t interfere with your memorial event. And after the hustle and bustle of the memorial planning has subsided, and everyone has gone back to their routines, our products and services will provide continuous solace for years to come.

Good Grief Celebrations and our affiliates are committed to providing unforgettable service, events and products each and every time.

Our company culture is built around the motto: “A life lived is a life worth celebrating.” Good Grief Celebrations is not a funeral home, but would be honored to recommend funeral home affiliates at the family’s request.  

We proudly work with places of worship and cemeteries to fulfill the family’s service needs. We have also had the distinct honor and privilege of sharing some of the most intimate moments with families during and after the transition of death. Our services are appropriate for anyone with an interest in a unique and commemorative experience. 

How It Began (Words from the CEO)

This company is a tribute to my mother and all that she was. She never complained about her illness, but was graceful and beautiful until she took her last breath. It was her final request that in “death”, instead of a traditional "after funeral" service where everyone is dressed in black, and mourning, that we instead celebrate her wonderful life—her accomplishments, successes and all that she was. On December 1, 2007 that is exactly what we did. 

The first memorial service held for her, with tears and sad goodbyes, took place in the morning. But that evening, we held a fabulous "celebration of life" in her honor.  The celebration, held at a lavish event hall, included an open bar that served her favorite drinks, a DJ playing her favorite music, lots of dancing, portraits of her on every table, and her favorite foods were enjoyed by all. There was a slideshow video of her life that was played, making everyone both laugh and cry. As the celebration continued into the night, I overheard people talking about how they would like to have their loved ones do the same for them. They exclaimed, “Maybe death is not so sad after all” and continued to express how much fun they were having. And guess what? That is the reaction my mom wanted!  

In her last days she would say, “Rikki, there is no reason to be afraid of death, especially if you have lived the life I have. I do not want people crying and sad the whole day. I want my life celebrated. This was a great ride. Remember me how I was...throw me a party...respect my wishes.” 

The night of the party, I received several compliments, and suggestions about turning the event into a business venture. I held on to the idea and went back to my life. A few weeks after returning to work, my position was eliminated. I had suffered the loss of my mother and a very good job—all within a short period of time.

I became disenchanted with corporate America and the prospect of starting a new job. I always wanted to be a CEO, but it never occurred to me that it would be within my own company. I took a chance and a few months later out of the ashes of despair, Good Grief Celebrations was born! Because I produced and created the website as well as all the print materials, it only made since to open an advertising agency. In July 2008, I opened GGC advertising. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to help grieving families. It feels fantastic to have a true calling and to do something that I enjoy so much!

I have a great movie quote that sums up my life so far: “When you expect nothing and get everything, that’s not luck—it’s destiny!”  (“Bound by Honor”)

Thank you so very much for visiting my site!

Rikki Farrar

Our Vision and Mission

• To become the nation's leader in celebrant services celebration of life parties and funeral memorial products.

• To relieve the stress and pressure of planning funeral activities for the family.

• To provide a superior first class event every time, while providing a memorable event for attendees.

• To become the leader in informational seminars.

"We appreciate that loved ones come in all shapes and sizes! At Good Grief Celebrations we memorialize your furry friends as well.