I have built a S&G with copper wire and one with cheap cable ties from a discount store. If you plan on painting the hull, cable ties are quick and cheap. In fact, the cable tie boat was quickly put together by some of my high school students who are definitely not the "sharpest tools in the workshop". It took them about 45minutes under my direction with cable ties.
I prefer a bright finish so I would use copper on my own boats.
Also, you don't need bronze nails to nail down the deck, just lots of rope, or tie-downs, or packing tape, or as in my case a combination of all 3. Having said that I put the bronze nails in anyway because I like the look.
Have fun.