More people are planning ahead for their funerals

Bestattung Kärnten, a funeral services company, held an open day on Saturday to encourage people to make arrangements in advance and address what it says remains a taboo subject, ORF reported.

Visitors could take tours of a crematorium and seek advice on financial and organisational planning. The company said many families were overwhelmed when a death occurred because they had not discussed arrangements beforehand.

Managing director Roman Macher recommended making financial provisions so bereaved relatives would not be left with obligations. He said he began planning when his daughter was born.

Funerals can quickly become expensive. Bestattung Kärnten offers financing options and works with relatives to find ways to reduce the financial burden.

Visitors Dorlinde and Albert Nagele said they wanted to learn more because death could affect anyone. The couple had already made a will and said they were relieved to have taken that step.