How long do you plan to kayak for at a time? If it's going to be for longer periods of time, a lighter weight paddle may be worth a higher cost for some carbon (only if you're racing would I suggest all carbon though). If you're going to be tooling around the neighborhood lake for an hour or maybe Lake Michigan for an hour or so, you have a lot more flexibility in what to buy and an aluminum Bending Branches would be just fine. If there are lot of rocks or trees you may be hitting, you'll want a stronger rather than lighter paddle to withstand hits or to push off of things without breaking.
Preferably try out a paddle length before you buy-borrow on from a friend or many stores hold demo days during the summer where you can try out kayaks and paddles. You may be able to try out bent shaft paddles as well and see what you like more.
Also, get a PFD that is comfortable to wear and paddle at the same time. NOT one of the old orange ones.