Through events like Dying to Know Day - a nationwide campaign held annually on August 8 - people are encouraged to come to terms with the concept of death and start a conversation about end-of-life care and loss.

One way in which the approach to death has changed more recently is a move away from funerals being a strictly religious ceremony.

Thirty per cent of Australians do not identify with any religion and people are now opting for services in alternative venues, celebrants officiating and even themed farewells.

As traditions have changed, almost anything - within reason - is appropriate in individual cases.

National Funeral Directors Association president Nigel Davies said there had been a huge shift in both the community and the industry.

"During the 1970s and 80s the funeral industry became overly corporatised and sterilised, to the point that a deceased was often whisked away from their home or hospital within hours, sometimes never to be seen again," Mr Davies said.

"The independent, family-owned funeral directors, particularly in the country, have a more traditional approach and assist families who want to have the deceased at home, or help dress them, or decorate their coffins."

Mr Davies was particularly supportive of how Dying to Know Day was changing perspectives.

"The Dying to Know movement is working to return an understanding of this traditional choice to families, and striving to overcome the modern 'No Service Delivery' options, which often ignores the emotional importance of finding your own way to say goodbye," he said.

Another change in the industry is more people opting for a green or natural burial as it becomes more apparent that we have an impact on the environment, as much in death as in life.

Natural burials - which keep the burial site in as natural a state as possible - have been available in Wagga Wagga City Council cemeteries since 2012 and are now among the services provided by Daniel Woods Funeral Care.

Owner Daniel Woods said it was important to provide for an individual approach to dealing with death.

"Green funerals mean different things to each person, but generally it is about making as little impact as possible on the environment when someone dies," Mr Woods said.

The family of Christopher Hains decided that a natural burial at Wagga cemetery, held earlier this year, would best reflect his beliefs.

"For us, Dad was very much about not leaving his mark on the earth," daughter Rowena said. "It was that side of natural burials that appealed to us."

Dying to Know Day spokeswoman Holly Rankin-Smith said the day was also a time to think about palliative care and drawing up an advanced care plan.

"Let's start the conversation and encourage people to talk about end-of-life plans," she said.

"By doing that we can help families and communities 'do death better'."

As part of Dying to Know Day, Daniel Woods Funeral Care will host two forums on August 8 to help people better come to terms with the inevitability of death and to plan ahead.

Legal professionals will be on hand to discuss wills, power of attorney and enduring guardians, estate planning and administration, and family provision, as well as a palliative care nurse and advocate to discuss end-of-life care.