By Megan Willett

IKEA—home of affordable furniture, delicious meatballs, and dream weddings? Sure, there was the couple who married in an IKEA store, but the Swedish brand can also help real brides on any budget. IKEA doesn’t have a specific wedding section (yet), but it does have table settings, decorative objects, and more that can make your big day everything you envisioned it would be.

Paper lanterns, such as the REGOLIT ($5), are an easy, chic way to add a whimsical element to your decor, at the ceremony or the reception. Hang them at differing heights to create visual interest, and don’t be afraid to personalize each shade. Applying a wash of watercolor, painting on your new monogram, or hanging the lanterns from colored ribbons to match your theme will lend a personalized touch.

For brides looking to save money by forgoing fresh guest table flowers, make a statement with something unique, such as a hurricane lantern. The BORRBY lantern ($7.99 for 11”, $14.99 for 17 1/4”) will create a soft ambiance, and works well for outdoor or seaside receptions. If your wedding style is elegant, consider the glass POMP lantern ($12.99), or the clear glass BLOMSTER candle holders ($14.99/set of 3) with tea lights.

Another sweet reception touch is the IKEA 3-tier serving platter ($14.99). Place your cupcakes or finger food on trays throughout the reception, or at tables for guests to snack on. For that first cake cutting, customize the ENVIS cake knife and server set ($5.99) with your wedding theme colors.

Stop by the Minneapolis store at 800 IKEA Way, Mpls., 952-858-8088 to view these products in person, or shop online at ikea.com.