I'm starting out with cake decorating and have a question on the type of frosting used.

Currently when I need frosting I run to the grocery store and pick up the Betty Crocker/Duncan Hines frosting. I find that the smaller containers usually mean I don't have to store opened frosting in the fridge until next time and it's really convenient to pick up the frosting at the last minute.

Does using the Wilton BC icings (thin and medium consistency) really help with the cake decorating and make the cakes look better in the long run. I'm just concerned with buying the 5lb tubs of icing and then having tons of leftovers that go to waste.

Yes it does. It is way better than anything you can buy in a store.

You can freeze any frosting you have left over from the 5lb tubs. Just let it thaw out for a little while, a couple of hours for me, and it will be fine.

Anyway, I'll bet that you are going to love cake decorating so much that you will use the 5lb before you know it!!!