I just want to firstly say I am by no means a cake expert just a beginner.
I usually use a cake mix to make my cakes. Mainly because I like the taste of it. I usually make it the day before and stick it in the fridge. I ice it later at night the day before (mainly because DD is in bed and I can do it without her help). I have heard you can freeze it but haven't tried it myself.

The best advice I got was "It doesn't matter what your cake looks like as long as the person you are making it for likes it" Just relax and have fun doing it.