how early can i ice a cake with buttercream icing before the cake is required?? I usually ice the cake the night before pickup but i have quite a bit on and wondering if i could ice it thursday night for saturday morning pickup???? do i have to store it in the fridge, it is very cold winter here at the moment....

I think it should be fine. I never put my cakes in the fridge. If its winter there, I don't think you need to put it in the fridge.