Hello everyone! I'm pretty new to cake and cupcake decorating, so I'm having trouble figuring out how to prepare everything for orders. I'm also a busy college student, and have been juggling cake decorating on the weekends and school work. I've been receiving an influx of orders lately, about 2-3 cakes with combines cupcakes per weekend (for me, its a bit overwhelming). Some of the cakes are two tiered. I've been staying up all night just to finish an order, then to start a new one in the morning. I would love to know how you manage your time, and what you suggest I do on certain days of the week so not only can I be efficient but also maximize my profits. Thank you in advance for your help! I really appreciate it! 

If you are decorating with buttercream I usually make alot of icing ahead of time as it will keep for approx. 2 weeks.  I also make the cake a week in advance and freeze it as it is so much easier to frost (not so many crumbs to deal with) however, I do NOT make cupcakes ahead of time.  I also make any fondant /gumpaste/royal icing items ahead of time if possible.  Whatever you do, do not jepordize your school work for cakes.  You can always perfect your cake skills later.....mom LOL

Thank you for the advice! I did not know I can make buttercream in advance! All the cakes I make are fondant cakes with buttercream underneath, only because I haven't perfected a smooth buttercream finish and fondant covers that up. Also, I buy Satin Ice fondant to save some time. But thank you, I try my best not to jeopordize school! I actually use cake decorating to help pay for books and gas!