AI plan on making this Wilton's example birthday cake for a birthday next Sunday. How far in advance can I cut and prepare the fondant? [IMG]http://cakecentral.com/content/type/61/id/3113949/width/200/height/400[/IMG]

I'd do all of that on the day of. Is it that you'll be in a time crunch why you'll want to do it in advance?

AMaybe a day in advance. I'm new and want to give myself a little bit if extra time for screw ups.

AIf you're preparing homemade fondant (like marshmallow fondant) you need to make it a day before you are going color and use because it needs to rest. It just depends on the recipe. I usually color fondant a day or two before I need it, depending on the amount and different colors you use it can take a while.

I would cover my cake in BC, let it setup a while (sometimes overnight) then add fondant the next day.

Fondant can last a while if stored properly.