Setting up a photoshoot area (Flash)

I've been asked to do some photos for a group of people, and I'll be setting up a back drop and such.

I have so far been using my speedlite 430EX and Xsi w/ 18-55mm lens, but I'd like to produce better quality shots (lighting wise).

I was thinking of getting an umbrella or two with lights attached, to help give an overall better lighting quality.

I would like some hints/opinions/ideas as to what you think on how I should go about this.

Budget wise, hopefully not too expensive, so the cheaper the better!

I don't have an idea on how large the room is yet, but I believe I will have more than enough room.

If the room isn't very big you can just bounce the light, assuming the walls are white and won't cause any color casts. I bought a white satin westcott shoot through umbrella and impact light stand for about $45-50. Use them all the time with great success, so that'll be a good start IMO. You'll also need a way to trigger the 430ex off camera with this kind of setup. If budget allows, I say go with a 580ex I or II and you can use it as master to trigger the 430ex. Hope this helps!

Not to be rude but you posted this exact same thread in the Small Flash and Studio Lighting forum already. As I understand it's kind of a no no to post the same thread multiple times across seperate forums. Moderator's please let me know if I am incorrect in this. If so I apologize in advance.

I did, but after I posted it there, I thought it'd be a little more suited for this area, since I will be taking pictures of people.