Weddings are expensive, there is no getting away from it, but you can do a lot to bring the costs down. Here we look at ways you can cut costs by using Ikea wedding hacks for a variety of different tasks.
There are some Ikea products that are great as they are but with a few hacks, other products can be turned into amazing props, decorations and gifts to amaze your wedding guests.
Creating your own items for your wedding with a bit of DIY and an Ikea wedding hack is great fun and gives you a sense of achievement and a personal investment in the success of your wedding. It’s always nice to have something unique and personal as part of your wedding.
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The Ikea Wedding Hacks:
Ombre Lace Tea Light Holders Hack
The Ikea SKURAR candle holder has a gorgeous lace pattern that sheds a dappled light from the candle within. They could be wonderful table lighting on their own, but this stunning ombre hack from The House That Lars Built gives it a bit more presence and allows you to introduce the colours of your wedding.
These colours would be great for a summer wedding.
Gold Candle Lanterns Hack
Ikea have some very affordable lanterns and this Ikea BORRBY lantern is one of the most popular. Spray painting it gold as seen in this hack from Ruffled is a great way to add some glamour to your wedding decor. They’ve gone further by painting some bottles as well to hold the flower arrangements.
You could do the same with an Ikea BEHARSKA lantern for a different but equally impressive look.
Brass Photo and Message Board Hack
This great use of the Ikea MYRHEDEN memo board is an example of how you can create a unique, vintage flower display or you could use it for photos or a place for guests to leave messages.
You can add so many useful things to this wire memo board such as wooden clipboards to hold a menu, photographs and hold things on with vintage bulldog clips!
Colourful Glass Bottle Table Numbers Hack
This is a nice simple way to display table numbers. Using an Ikea KORKEN bottle the numbers have been created using a masking stencil in this hack by Almost Makes Perfect. You could make colourful table numbers like this or stick to more traditional white or gold spray paint.
These bottles make really colourful and original Ikea wedding hacks.
Glass Wedding Card Box Hack
We love this Ikea hack from Style Me Pretty that uses a SOCKER indoor greenhouse to provide a gorgeous place for guests to leave cards. They have added a personal message on the side using white glass pen.
You can come up with a design on your computer first and then print it out and tape it to the inside to give you a guide.
If you don’t fancy your handwriting skills too much, why not cheat with these fantastic glass decals. You can get them made up in any wording you like and then place them into position.
Picture Frame Photo Prop Hack
Props for photos have become ridiculously popular lately, and for good reason. They add a perfect element of fun to both guest photos and the bride and groom photos. This Ikea UNG DRILL frame hack from Wedding Chicks has been created by simpy spray painting the frame gold.
After the bride and groom photos it can be taken back for guest photos!
Chandelier Table Lighting Hack
If you are having an outdoor wedding (good for you!) then you might be looking for a unique way to light the tables if you’re eating in the evening. This amazing set up from Style Me Pretty uses chandeliers to provide lighting and you could use the Ikea APPELVIKEN chandelier as a candle holder and spray paint it white or gold.
Adding some glass beads would transform it into something more elegant.
Of all the Ikea wedding hacks, I think this is our favourite!
Lace and Wood Cake Stand Hack
Cupcakes have become incredibly popular for wedding cakes, but how do you display them beautifully? This fantastic hack from Clockwork Lemon uses the Ikea SKURAR candle dish sat on top of some logs for a stunning wedding cake display.
We also love the fall leaf icing decorations!
Lace Flower Pot Hack
The Ikea SKURAR range makes another appearance with the SKURAR plant pot. This hack from One Fab Day creates a gorgeous flower hanging display for the pews in the church. This could also be used on chairs at an outdoor wedding.
The pots have been hung using twine which adds a rustic feel to the look.
Glass Bell Jar Light Hack
These Ikea BEGAVNING glass domes are a relatively new product and are really useful for creating an elegant, interesting style. Filling it with an LED string light, as in this hack, is an excellent way to make the most of it and would make a great table centrepiece.
You could really fill these bell jars with almost anything and they would look good. Try creating a terrarium with succulents or perhaps moss.
Get some battery powered LED string lights for this job so that you don’t have to plug them in!
Solar Power Paper Lantern Hack
Paper lanterns are perhaps a little basic when it comes to lighting your home, but used en mass in a wedding setting they really can add atmosphere and drama. The Ikea SOLVINDEN LED solar powered paper lamp shade would be perfect for outdoor weddings to create the right mood with lighting.
I’m not sure about using sparklers underneath them but I’m sure it all worked out well…
Net Curtain Backdrop Hack
Backdrops can be expensive simply because of the area you’re trying to cover but this great hack from Elegant Wedding Invites uses Ikea LILL net curtains tied to a line of string to create a lovely, textured backdrop that would be both cheap and easy to do.
We also love the burlap bunting and you can get a personalised Mr & Mrs burlap bunting very cheaply!
Gin Bar Cart Hack
A drinks station could be genius or a dangerous move depending on what your guests are like! This awesome hack uses an Ikea BEKVAM kitchen trolley, painted in a gray-green. They have added a towel rail and a bottle opener and then just styled it with everything that is required.
We feel they might need a few more glasses though!
Deck this wonderful drinks trolley out with some cool drinkware such as a copper ice bucket and cocktail shaker set.
Olive Tree Centrepiece Hack
Adding large plants to a table centrepiece can quickly diminish your budget, but these Ikea olive trees are an absolute bargain. Add some LED string lights or hanging jars for candles and they make a stunning centrepiece.
For more excellent Ikea Hacks check out these posts!
19 Ikea Billy Bookcase Hacks that are Bold and Beautiful
33 Stunning Ikea Kallax Hacks for Really Small Budgets
39 Ikea Hacks that are Simple and Super Stylish
Glass Candle Stick Hack
The Ikea BLOMSTER candlesticks have been around for a good while and are as popular as ever due to their simple, elegant style. It’s not exactly a hack, but using some of these of varying heights along with suitable coloured candles on your table is a cheap and easy way to make an impact.
Wood Crate Blanket Box Hack
Having a few little touches that show you care about your guests is really important at a wedding and the Ikea KNAGGLIG box is a great way to store items such as blankets, flip flops and games. This wonderful hack from The Chalk Spot adds some gorgeous lettering on the side to let everyone know what it’s for.
You can also do a good job of making the crate look rustic with the great hack found in our post 39 Ikea hacks that are simple & super stylish.
Table Number and Menu Picture Frame Hack
There are some Ikea products that you just have to think “Did you make this intentionally for weddings?” The Ikea TOLSBY frame is one such item. This is perfect to use for table numbers, menu holders and signs at a wedding and this hack shows that you can spray paint it to colours that suit your wedding too.
They have also printed off the insert in white writing on a black background to make it look like a chalkboard.
Chalkboard Easel Noticeboard Hack
Speaking of chalkboards, this brilliant hack from Ikea themselves shows how you can use the Ikea MALA easel as a stunning wedding sign, utilising the tray underneath the board as a shelf for flowers.
You could go further by painting the frame in a colour to suit your wedding and the board could be used in a variety of ways, such as pointing the way to drinks!
Ikea Rattan Basket Flower Display Wedding Hacks
One of the most recent additions to the Ikea collection, this TANKVARD basket is huge and would make a great container for a large floral display.
You could also use this as a blanket holder or line it with plastic sheet, fill it with ice and use it to hold beer!
Tea Light Washi Tape Hack
Washi tape is so versatile and can be used to transform almost anything! In this case they have wrapped Ikea tealights to upgrade them to something a bit more stylish. Such a simple hack, but turns something dirt cheap into something really nice.
Gold Flower Vase Hack
Spray painting things gold has been covered earlier, but this hack from Sophie Hannah gets a special mention because the Ikea VILJESTARK glass vase is so cheap, yet such a nice form. Spray painting it gold only adds to its beauty.
Drop in some gypsophila and a couple of carnations (also cheap) and who would know you spent pennies on it!?
Spice Jar Favours Hack
Wedding favours are always a great way to show a little appreciation to your guests for helping make your wedding amazing. These Ikea RAJTAN spice jars make the perfect container for some jelly beans.
Finished off with a married name monogram and a ribbon, they make a really cute wedding favour.
Canvas Photo Booth Ikea Wedding Hacks
We absolutely love this Ikea canvas wardrobe hack from Instructables. The wardrobe isn’t available from Ikea any more but you could probably pick one up on eBay, gumtree or Craigslist.
Photo booths are so expensive, you could save a ton of money on this and it would be very impressive.
Coloured Ribbon Backdrop Hack
Another backdrop hack from Instructables. This one uses some cheap Ikea curtains with strips of fabric that has been dip-dyed over the top to give a gorgeous textured, colourful backdrop.
Dish Cloth Napkin Hack
A great place setting makes such an important impression on your guests.it’s good to spend a bit of time coming up with something beautiful and meaningful.
This great hack from Ruffled uses Ikea ELLY dishcloths along with bamboo plates and cutlery for an outdoor wedding.
Stay eco friendly with a bumper pack of bamboo plates, knives and forks.
Glitter Paper Latern Ikea Wedding Hacks
A paper lantern is so versatile and this great hack from Oh Happy Day uses an Ikea REGOLIT paper lamp shade to create a glitter ball!
Simply use contact adhesive and some glitter of choice and you can create a gorgeous hangning decoration or table centrepiece really simply.
Ice Cream Truck Shelf Hack
This is a stunning hack from Oh Happy Day to create an ice cream serving area based around the them of an ice cream truck. They have used an Ikea LACK shelf and simply dressed it up with an awning, which you could make with plastic pipe and fittings covered with coloured paper.
The lettering decals can be found on Etsy and the letter board menu finishes the look perfectly.
Gingerbread House Centrepiece Hack
If you are having a winter wedding, or just love gingerbread, this table centrepiece hack makes great use of the Ikea VINTERSAGA gingerbread house.
Decorate it in colours that match your wedding and they can become a second dessert!
Net Curtain Teepee Hack
If you are having an outdoor wedding, or even just have the space indoors for ir, this stunning teepee from Ikeahackers makes a gorgeous, fun den for kids at your wedding.
They have used an Ikea LILL net curtain over some dowels and dressed it up with flowers (you could use some of Ikea’s fantastic artificial flower range!)
Wood Crate Wedding Card Box Hack
Another great way to collect wedding cards using an Ikea KNAGGLIG hack.
This one from Sweetheart Events goes down the DIY rustic route to make the crate look like a vintage wine crate and then they’ve added writing and illustrsation in white pen. Overall, a beautiful finished project.
Picture Frame Glass Noticeboard Ikea Wedding Hacks
This hack is one of our favourite and simply uses an Ikea KNOPPANG frame without the mount or backing board. Simply write on whatever you want to display in white pen and it’s a gorgeous effect.
We love that it has been sat on an old wooden chair to add to the vintage feel.
Painted Seagrass Basket Hack
We love these Ikea FLADIS baskets which currently house two snake plants in our bedroom. This great hack from Made Up Style is subtle, but adds a layer of sophistication to the look.
You could use the colours of your wedding and then use these baskets for blankets, collecting cards or holding bunches of flowers.
Glass Bottle Table Number Ikea Wedding Hacks
A great hack from Ikea themselves. It’s such a simple treatment of the Ikea KORKEN bottle, with a twig of eucalyptus in a bottle full of water and then a tiny bunting string tied around the base with a cardboard table number.
The number may need to be a little bigger, but the cuteness level on this hack is 10! For the bunting you can simply use washi tape folded over.
Mini Bucket Flower Pots Hack
The Ikea SOCKER plant pot has been used in so many hacks and this little wedding hack is ideal for a rustic themed wedding. It’s so simple and cheap too, with just a few sprigs of gypsophila in each pot and some brown string and burlap ribbon tied around it.
So simple, yet so effective.
Variety of Glass Vases
Perhaps you can’t consider it a hack, but Ikea have so many varied glass vases at really cheap prices that it’s so easy to create a great, vintage look on a budget. You don’t have to use a lot of flowers either, just a stem in each vase, perhaps a bit of foliage.
It can be as simple as that to create a gorgeous table centrepiece!
That’s quite a lot of Ikea wedding hacks to take in but I hope it has shown you what’s possible and given you some inspiration.
Your wedding day is super special and the little touches make a huge difference to everyone’s experience of the event. These little design elements can, however add up in cost so it’s great to have a few tricks up your sleeve to create something really special at low cost.
We hope there have been plenty of ideas to get you inspired for your big day here, we’ve been looking at a lot of them and wishing we could go back in time to add them to our own wedding!
Happy hacking!
I love Ikea. I have made my own bouquet and button holes for my wedding, Including table decorations from the artificial flower range. It’s saved so much money 💰
Great to hear! And you get to keep them afterwards! 🙂
Very useful ideas all diff type of party events….thank u.