Hi Kim, Welcome to the forum! I'm getting married at Beaches Turks & Caicos in March 2011, and I was SO glad when I found this site earlier this summer. I didn't use a travel agent, but some other girls on the forum did so they can probably help you there. As far as how did friends and family react about the prices...hmmm..first let me say everyone's reaction was different, but I did get some positive feedback because I gave everyone 13 month notice, and they were thankful for that. Originally 21 people planned to join us in Turks, but once I told them I was having a reception a few weeks after we returned from the wedding, the number has dwindled down to 10 people coming to Turks. I hope that answers one of your questions.