Family or Friend

Who Can Lead a Service?

If the service is held in a place of worship, then a religious or faith leader would usually officiate or lead the service.

When the service is elsewhere, perhaps at a crematorium, a natural burial ground, or even at home, then anyone can lead the service. It might be a family member, a friend or even a colleague.

In this case, the service content and style does not have to follow a set pattern. It is up to the family and next of kin to decide what to include. It can be as relaxed and informal as you like.

Family led services, in which the family (often including children) take a central role, are increasingly popular and also tend to be less formal than a traditional service. For more information, see our section on Funeral Types.