What to do??

I am looking to buy my first digital SLR. I've been taking pictures with a Canon SD900 for some time and I'm ready for an upgrade. The reason for the upgrade is I'm going to pursue wedding photography. I want to start out with a camera good enough to last a few years and not too expensive because once I'm settled in, I want to own a 5D. I was thinking of a 40D or should I start with a 20D. Also, which lens would be perfect for weddings? I'm just starting out and learning so don't be annoyed at stupid questions. I'm going to be taking classes and learning how to use it. I'll be using this one for a while so I want a good one for whenever my first wedding will be. Thanks for any advice you can give!

Weddings will need a hefty investment in equipment.

40D is an excellent performer for weddings, but I'd also get a backup body in case something goes horribly wrong with your 40D. The lenses I'd recommend would be a nice midrange zoom, something like a 17-55 2.8 IS or a 28-70 2.8, in addition to a good telephoto like a 70-200 2.8. You might also want to consider a fast prime, perhaps a 50 1.4 or an 85 1.8, as there will be situations where having a constant 2.8 aperture simply won't be fast enough to capture your wedding shots. Oh, and a good flash gun is important too - something you can use comfortably and know how to use, and I'd also suggest a backup for the flashgun too.

LOTS of memory cards, I'm not a big fan of using 16 GIG cards for shooting one wedding, because that's like putting all your eggs in one basket. What happens if something happens to that 16 gig card? You won't have anything else for the wedding. I usually shoot with multiple 2-4 gig cards, that way if something happens to one card, I still have my other cards to shoot with.

The reason why I suggest backups, is because if something goes wrong, you can't just go up to your bride and say, "I can't shoot anymore, my camera broke " You're hired as a professional. You have to be able to keep shooting.

In addition, I'd strongly suggest getting your agreements in WRITING. Verbal agreements and the like are a bad idea, and are generally hard to enforce. Get a contract that covers you and protects you, and outlines what services will be provided at what cost. Also, figure out what your cost will be. There are a lot factors that goe into that - equipment upkeep, travel time (gas isn't cheap anymore), album creation fees, post production and computer time, reprint costs, things of that nature. There is a lot of wedding info on this board, do a quick search and you'll find a wealth of information.

Thanks for your response, I will look into the other equipment you recommended. I am leaning towards the 40D thanks for you opinion on that and advice with the memory cards. I'm so excited!