FAQs
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
Please update the RSVP on this website and text us ASAP to let us know if you are leaning toward attending or not. A firm RSVP commitment and resort room booking with Monticello Travel must be completed by the end of December 2024.
Question
I have questions, but I don't want to bother you while you're busy wedding planning. Who do I ask?
Answer
We have spent months planning this exciting trip and we both want to make this experience as smooth as possible for everyone. Please reach out to Matt with any questions or concerns you may have. He is great with logistics and managing information (insert your engineer jokes here). Work life can be busy, so a text is always the best way to start the conversation. Matt will get back to you and help in any way possible. Also, Dean from Monticello Travel is available to help with anything related to the resort and booking process.
Question
What documents do I need to travel to Punta Cana?
Answer
Your passport will need to be current and you may need to fill out an entry survey before arriving in the Dominican Republic. Please see instructions and information provided by Monticello Travel.
Question
Can I book my room directly through the Hard Rock Resort?
Answer
No. All room bookings must be reserved through Dean Smith at Monticello Travel. This ensures that every wedding guest is accounted for and everyone will be included in the ceremony, reception, and other hosted activities.
Question
Am I required to stay at the Hard Rock Resort to attend your wedding?
Answer
Yes. To ensure your inclusion in the wedding ceremony, reception, and other hosted events, you must stay at the Hard Rock Resort and book your room through Monticello Travel.
Question
When should I arrive in Punta Cana for the wedding?
Answer
The wedding ceremony and reception are on Friday evening, May 23 2025. We ask that you arrive in Punta Cana no later than Thursday May 22, 2025. There will be a welcome party for all guests to meet each other on Thursday evening. This is the official start to the wedding weekend and we wouldn't want you to miss it.
Question
How long will you be staying at the Hard Rock Resort?
Answer
Shelby and Matt will be at the Hard Rock from Sunday May 18 through Sunday May 25. You are welcome to join us for that whole week if you are looking for an extended vacation!
Question
Is there a required minimum stay at the resort?
Answer
Yes. You must stay a minimum of 3 nights.
Question
Is there transportation to and from the airport to the Hard Rock Resort?
Answer
We highly recommend that you book your airport transportation as part of your Hard Rock Resort room booking through Monticello Travel. There is an option for shared transport that is safe, clean, and coordinated. Or you can opt to pay an additional fee for a private transfer for yourself or a group. Please coordinate with Dean at Monticello for details and transportation instructions. At the airport in Punta Cana, there will be dozens of people trying to offer you a cheap taxi or other services. We DO NOT advise purchasing anything from, or engaging with, these sales persons at the airport. Pre-arranging your transfers through Monticello Travel is the safest and easiest option to guarantee your prompt arrival at the Hard Rock Resort.
Question
Are kids welcome at the wedding ceremony and reception?
Answer
While we love everyone's growing families, event space is limited. Anyone under the age of 21 and people not specifically listed on wedding invites or plus 1's will not be hosted at wedding events.
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
Space is limited and we have prioritized friends, family, and significant others who we know well. Couples and plus 1's have been attached to your invite. If you do not currently see the option to bring a date and you would like us to reconsider, please reach out.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
Both the wedding ceremony and reception will be outdoors and near the beach, but not directly on the beach. Stick to light and comfortable fabrics for potential heat and humidity. No need to wear a full suit and tie, but a pair of slacks with a linen shirt or a patterned sundress would fit right in. Try to keep it fun but classy. Lean toward pants and collared shirts, but stay away from t-shirts and casual shorts. Casual dress shoes or dressy sandals are great. Flip flops and sporty tennis shoes would not be great. This link provides a nice guide to lightweight attire and gives some inspiration. https://sunandseabeachweddings.com/blog/beach-wedding-attire-for-guests/
Question
Can the resort accommodate food allergies?
Answer
Please see the Hard Rock website for specific details. They should be attentive to your needs and able to serve food for everyone. If you do have strict allergies, please let us know before hand so that we can be sure everyone is accommodated at the hosted events. https://hotel.hardrock.com/punta-cana/frequently-asked-questions.aspx
Question
Do I need to have Dominican currency?
Answer
The resort is all-inclusive and all of your basic needs should be met by paying for your room through Monticello Travel. Any optional add-ons at the resort can typically be paid for by credit card. The onsite casino will only accept cash and US currency is acceptable. If you do venture outside the resort for an excursion, most of these booking fees can be paid by credit card. US cash is accepted everywhere but please ensure that bills are in good condition with no tears or marks. Bringing smaller US bills for tipping your drivers and tour guides is also recommended.
Question
Are there hosted events in addition to the wedding ceremony and reception?
Answer
Please see the schedule page for full details that will be updated as we book. The wedding ceremony is scheduled for Friday May 23, 2025 to begin at 5pm, with the reception to immediately follow. A welcome event will be hosted by the resort on the evening of Thursday May 22 with details and location to follow when we have them booked. Additional events may be planned, and we will add them to the schedule as we book them.
Question
What do we do when not attending the hosted wedding events?
Answer
Check out everything the Hard Rock Resort has to offer: multiple pools, the beach, a water park, casino, dining, and many other options. In addition to onsite options, there are many other opportunities to book excursions off site from reputable vendors. However you want to spend your vacation at a beachside resort, the Hard Rock should be able to facilitate it.
Question
Will there be cell phone reception or wifi at the resort?
Answer
There is full free wifi coverage throughout the Hard Rock Resort and we had no issues with using it while there. We recommend sticking to apps and functions that use wifi and not planning to use your regular cell phone plan. Yes there is cell reception, though you will need to check with your carrier about international travel fees. Another option could be to purchase an eSIM for your phone. There are options for the Dominican Republic if you feel like you need the cell phone plan while there.
Question
How will we communicate while at the resort?
Answer
We recommend downloading WhatsApp and using that messaging service. We will be creating a wedding group through that app that we can use to communicate details and information to everyone. It's free to use and operates just like other group chat options, but it is completely on wifi and perfect for international usage.
Question
Should I buy trip cancellation insurance?
Answer
Our recommendation is to research the level of protection that is provided by your credit cards or other insurance methods for an international vacation. If you would like something beyond that, then please speak directly with Dean at Monticello to discuss your options. Trip insurance is offered for purchase through the Funjet website but we do not advise using that option. You should be able to find better value insurance from another source.
Question
What can I buy for you as a wedding gift?
Answer
We cannot stress enough that you really don't need to buy us gifts. We are looking forward to spending time with everyone at the vacation and that is the best present you could give. If you're a giver and feel the need to gift something, we would appreciate cards with old photos of either of us or other shared memories to reminisce over. And if you really feel a burning desire to gift a tangible present, there are some ideas on our registry page. But again, do not feel obligated in any way to purchase something from that list. We are very fortunate and happy with the things we currently have.
Question
Can we bring wedding gifts to the ceremony?
Answer
No. We really appreciate your thoughtfulness, but have no way to transport gifts from the Dominican Republic back to our home in Arizona. Wedding gifts will not be accepted at the event. We would also prefer not to receive cash while traveling a foreign country. If you feel so inclined, we would appreciate any gifts, cards, or other signs of love mailing directly to our house. Thank you for your understanding.