If you have connections to a faith community you will probably know the leader or a lay person of that community and he or she will take the funeral service as part of their role. If your religious beliefs are not so strongly identified, you may prefer a less formalised service.

Many celebrants now take funeral services. Celebrants are members of the local community who have a special interest in leading public rituals such as funerals and weddings. Their job is to spend time with the family in the days before the funeral, getting to know them and the particular wishes they have for the service, and then to lead the service. We will be happy to recommend a celebrant.

Make sure you feel comfortable and confident with your choice as you only get one chance at a funeral, and it's important that you feel good about the person who will lead.