i always pic the big fan leaves off first, but i have always had an easier time when i let the plant dry first before i manicure the buds. if you were making hash i have found to be a little better yeild when using fresh manicured buds.

on manicuring the bud its up to you how much leaf material you want, i usually use little sergical ss scissors but it takes way longer and hands start to cramp real bad after 3-4 hrs of trimming. im goin to start shaving the outsides of the buds to manicure cause itll be alot easier on my hands. lol