Please tell me how to make a great christening cake

[mousemole]

So, i got some quotes from cakemakers and with the creditc crunch they are tooo expensive. I want to make a simple sponge with royal icing which I will then decorate simply.
So, a few questions:

1. How far in advance can I make the cake ?
2. When I have made the sponge, do I sandwich it all together as normal, cover it with butter cream and then put the royal icing on top ?
3. How do I get a really smooth crease free finish to the icing ?

Any other tips gratefully received !

ComeOveneer, yes I went to that shop in Molesey yesterday which was AMAZING and gave me a bit of inspiration to have a go at making my own cake. Apostrophe, thanks for the tips on the icing. I think the shop in Molesey sells it. Countess, I LOVE the look of those courses. I will definiteley sign up. Such a wonferful skill to have, I am jealous of all you pro's ! Anyone else want to sign up with me ? BTW, do all avid cake makers live in Surrey ? I am in East Molesey and you all sound very close !

ps Apostrophe, thanks for the mud cake recipe !

not surrey! Derby!

Sorry Apostrophe ! Where in Derby ? My best friends are from Duffield.

persil have emailed you!