a good wheelbuilder is in my opinion more important than what parts you use. if it's your first build, don't buy lots of expensive parts. it's not like you're going to break anything - although you could, potentially - but wheelbuilding requires finesse and attention to detail that comes with practice.
that being said, my first two wheelbuilds were with Mavic Open Sports, DT Swiss 14 guage (i think) double butted spokes, brass nipples, Surly and Formula hubs respectively. i also had access to a good truing stand, dishing tool, tensionometer, and experienced wheelbuilders. decent quality parts for not a lot of money.
in hindsight i wish i'd gone 32/28 instead of 36/36 holes, but i only weigh 130lbs and rarely carry more than another 20lbs.