An Officiant is someone who conducts a program of speeches during a Funeral or Memorial Service.

Typically, they lead the ceremony by speaking about the deceased, leading the community with religious prayers or customs, introducing additional speakers, and providing information about additional services or events.

This person can be anyone, but typically, they are family member, people familiar to the deceased or surviving family, a member of the clergy, or a Funeral Director.

Note: while a member of the clergy may not require payment to speak, it may be customary to provide them with an Honorarium, which is a donated payment, the amount of which is chosen by the surviving family or bereaved.

If the service is organized by a Funeral Home, then the Honorarium may be included in the price of their services.