Honestly I am unsure how any sort of roof wouldn't hold the lights and extras. If not, I wouldn't walk under that ceiling anyways.
If you can't find boards in the cieling, make new studs.
Wood prices are outrageous. Buy some 2x3s(they are PLENTY strong enough. I PROMISE YOU THAT) and run them across the top. They are gonna be 3 or 4 dollars cheaper than a 2x4. Just make sure to pre drill the holes cause you're gonna be toe nailing the wood in.