I sift every dry ingredient used. I've found some odd things over the years in things and thankfully by sifting they didn't end up in a customer order like it very easily could have.
It doesn't take me long at all to sift because I have a battery operated sifter. 
It does not take me long to sift large amounts of dry ingredients. I do not have a sifter, I just put a mesh colander over my workbowl, dump in the ingredients, and stir.
You can get a set of these for about $20 from Amazon (search on 'Mesh Colander Set'). I have also seen them in Target or WalMart.
I use a hand held mesh sieve. I was going to start looking for a sifter but first I'll try the mesh colander like above first.
Sifting is well worth the time. I too sift all my dry ingredients (except when using flour and the recipe specifically calls for unsifted). The final mix just seems better blended and "finer".
Thanks!! I will go out and buy the mesh strainer and stir. All I have is a small hand held sifter and I takes forever....
Just baked my first WASC cakes last night and froze them. Can I make the buttercream tonight and place in frig until Friday? How long will it take the buttercream to come to room temp before I begin icing the cake?
Thanks again...
You all are the best
I'm new to sifting too! I didn't for so long, and I just started doing it, and what a difference it makes!! I just have a handheld mesh strainer, but it works perfectly. I work in batches of probably 2-3 cups at a time. I shake it back and forth over a bowl and then dump it in my mixer, and while it's getting mixed up, I'm sifting the next few cups. It doesn't involve any extra time, except the first sifting (but even that I can do while my mixer is creaming my butter and crisco.)
I had been having a problem with lumps in my BC, but no more!! I'll never not sift again!!
PS. I've even start sifting my cake mixes, and that's helped get rid of my lumpy batters too! 
ETA: To answer your question, yes, you can make the BC now for Friday. You can keep it for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. It could thaw in about 30 minutes or so, depending on how much is in your bowl. You'll probably need to rewhip it, though, to get it smooth again.
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