130+ Ways to Wish Someone a Happy Belated Birthday

Did you miss the birthday of someone special and are looking for sophisticated ways to make it right? Look no further, because we’ve put together over 130 elegant happy belated birthday wishes and messages you can use for friends, family, coworkers, and more. You’ll also find tips on how to send the best belated birthday wishes, discover the best options for sharing your greetings, and understand what “happy belated birthday” actually means.

Fashionably Late Birthday Wishes

From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry to have missed your special day! Belated birthday wishes!
Missed the date, but not the chance to wish you happiness all year.
Happy belated birthday! You don’t look a day older than your birthday!
Better late than never—wishing you joy, my dear friend.
I truly hope your birthday was the best one yet. Sorry, I missed it.
Have another great day of birthday celebrations, thanks to me and my forgetfulness!!
Oops, I did it again. I forgot your birthday, but I created a good song title in the process.

Section 1 of 14:

Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes

Download Article

Share an eloquent message to apologize for your late wishes. Take the time to recognize your late birthday greeting with simple birthday wishes. At the same time, be enthusiastic about their birthday and how important they are to you. After reading them, the other person should feel just as special as they would have had you sent them birthday wishes on time.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- A belated happy birthday! May every blessing find its way to your door—and hopefully faster than this card!
- I truly hope your birthday was the best one yet. Sorry, I missed it.
- Happy belated birthday! I hope whatever you wish for comes true in the year to come.
- Whether my birthday wishes are this year (or technically for next year), they are still sincere in wanting nothing but the best for you!
- I’m sorry to be the last one to wish you a happy birthday, but my sincere feelings are always with you.
- This is late, I know, but I hope it was a fantastic birthday for you!
- I extend my sincere, albeit belated, wishes for happiness on your special day. I am also sending prayers for blessings and prosperity in the year to come.
- Birthdays are meant to be fun and a celebration of milestones. I know you had a great one, even though I missed it.
- I am a bit late to the birthday party this year, and I am so sorry for that. I wish you nothing but peace and happiness this coming year! Happy birthday!
- I am bowing my head and hoping you can forgive me for being late on your birthday wishes this year! I love you and am sending you the most heartfelt belated birthday wishes!
- From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry to have missed your special day! Belated birthday wishes!
- Have another great day of birthday celebrations, thanks to me and my forgetfulness!

Section 2 of 14:

Sweet & Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes

Download Article

Send them kind and thoughtful messages that show that you care. Be straightforward and honest about missing their birthday, but ask for their forgiveness too. They’ll appreciate the fact that you took the time to make up for the delay. Your greetings can still let them know how important they are in your life.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- From the bottom of my heart, I am sorry to have missed your special day! Belated birthday wishes!
- Have another great day of birthday celebrations, thanks to me and my forgetfulness!!
- Just when you thought your birthday ended, here come my wishes just in time! Belated birthday wishes!
- Better late than never, right? Wishing you a belated “happy birthday” filled with lots of joy and happiness!
- Belated greetings, but my blessings for you are always right on time.
- I may have missed the date, but I’ll never miss a chance to wish you joy.
- Sometimes wishes arrive late, but blessings are always timely.
- Belated wishes that carry heartfelt gratitude for your presence in my life.
- Missed the date, but not the chance to wish you happiness all year.
- I may have missed the party, but not the chance to send hugs.
- Sorry for the late wishes! I hope your day was filled with love and laughter.
- Missed the date, but not the chance to wish you happiness all year.

Section 3 of 14:

Funny & Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes

Download Article

Use humor to make up for your lateness. While recognizing the delay, it’s OK to be funny and apologetic at the same time. Funny belated wishes can keep your birthday greeting personal and warm. Avoid being too sarcastic or unapologetic if you’re not super close or familiar with the other person.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- UGH! My brain short-circuited, and I forgot your birthday. Please forgive me, and belated wishes to you!
- I totally messed up and forgot your birthday. Hopefully, it was as fantastic as you are!
- I must be getting more forgetful with age! I completely forgot your birthday, but I am still sending the most love-filled birthday wishes to you!
- I really wanted to send you this birthday wish on time, but it wasn’t meant to be! Happiest of late birthday wishes!
- Happy belated birthday! You don’t look a day older than your birthday!
- Better late than never! Hope you had a wonderful birthday!
- Legend has it that if someone forgets your birthday, then you don’t get older that year. You’re welcome!
- Surprise! I didn’t actually forget your birthday! Belated birthday wishes!
- I didn’t really forget your birthday. I just wanted to keep the party going! Belated happy birthday!
- I’m so sorry I forgot your birthday. The good news is that if you forget mine next year, I’ll forgive you. Happy belated birthday!
- Belated birthday wishes! Please forgive my time perception disorder.
- Fashionably late is kind of my style. I hope you don’t mind! Happy belated birthday!

Section 4 of 14:

Creative & Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes

Download Article

Get creative with what you say in your belated message. “Happy belated birthday” gets the point across, but there are many ways to apologize for being late and still enthusiastic about their birthday. Wish them “joy, peace, and lasting memories,” or send your hope that their birthday lasts twice as long.“ It’ll show how much you care about their big day.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Please accept my belated birthday greetings with heartfelt wishes for joy, peace, and lasting memories.
- Sending refined and thoughtful greetings your way—happy belated birthday to someone truly special.
- To someone who exudes elegance and warmth—may your year shine as brightly as your spirit.
- May this belated wish carry twice the joy I meant to send on time.
- I cannot believe that I forgot about your birthday. I hope you enjoyed the whole day. Please accept this belated birthday wish.
- Oops, I did it again. I forgot your birthday, but I created a good song title in the process.
- How do you expect me to remember your birthday when you never look any older? Happy belated birthday.
- I meant to wait so that you could extend your birthday just a little bit longer. They go by way too fast if it is just one day—happy extended birthday.
- Sorry, I am late in wishing you a happy birthday. Lately, I have lived more on a lunar calendar than a solar one. Belated happy birthday!
- Hope you had a great birthday. I missed eating your cake on your birthday, so I plan to eat at least two desserts today to make up for it.
- Wishing a happy birthday on time is just too mainstream. So, I decided to be a little late. I hope you had a great birthday!
- I didn’t really forget your special day… I just figured you deserved more than one. Happy belated birthday!

Section 5 of 14:

Apologetic & Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes

Download Article

Apologize for being late as you wish them a happy birthday. Part of the point of belated birthday wishes is to say how sorry you are for missing their birthday, in one form or another. You don’t always have to say “I’m sorry,” as long as you acknowledge that your birthday wishes are late. Do so by emphasizing how much you love or care about them, or by showing them that their birthday celebration doesn’t have to end.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Belated happy birthday wishes to you! I so wanted to be on time, but then I ended up being a little late…I promise I’ll be better next year.
- My apologies for the delay, but my love is endless.
- Missed the date, but not the care I have for you.
- Sorry for the late greeting, wishing you happiness all year.
- I should’ve been on time, but I hope this makes you smile.
- Sorry for the oversight, you deserve the best.
- This wish carries extra hugs to make up for my lateness.
- Forgive my tardiness, sending heartfelt belated love.
- Sorry, but still wishing you unforgettable memories ahead.
- Sorry that I forgot about your birthday. I hope you enjoyed the whole day. Please accept this belated birthday wish.
- As we are growing older, there are a few things we don’t remember. I am really sorry for forgetting this special day. Belated happy birthday!
- I am wishing a bit late, but it doesn’t mean that I love you less. My apologies for the delay; I really hope that you had a wonderful day!

Section 6 of 14:

Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes for a Friend

Download Article

Show you still cherish your friendship even when you’re late. Let an old friend, acquaintance, or bestie know how much you value them. Say “happy birthday, friend” by mentioning how they mean the world to you. Poke fun at your lateness while demonstrating what the friendship means to you.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- I didn’t forget your birthday—I just forgot it was yesterday! Happiest of wishes to you!
- You deserve the most incredible birthday—hopefully, my late wishes didn’t mess that up! Happy belated birthday!
- Belated happy birthday to you. I hope you know that I would never miss the birthday of a good friend like you on purpose.
- Even though this is late, it’s never too late to wish you the best of everything—always.
- I didn’t want to throw you off and actually send your card on time. This way, you know it’s from me! Hope you had a good one.
- I can’t say enough how sorry I am for the late wishes on your birthday this year. Time simply got away from me on this one, my friend!
- It seems you’ve been blessed with everything apart from a punctual birthday message from me. I hope you had a glorious day. Belated happy birthday, faithful friend.
- Happy birthday to a warm, understanding, kind, fun, and special friend. (See? Wasn’t that worth waiting for?)
- I hope this year’s birthday was as incredible as you are, my friend! Sorry, I missed it. Happy belated birthday wishes!
- Belated cheers to more memories, smiles, and fun times.
- Better late than never—wishing you joy, my dear friend.
- Sending belated birthday hugs your way.

Section 7 of 14:

Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes for Family

Download Article

Focus on what family means to you (even when you forgot their birthday)! Families usually forgive each other when life gets in the way. Sending belated birthday messages to your parents, siblings, or other family members is no different. Share how special they are to you, whether it’s their birthday or any other day of the year.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- Sorry, I missed the day! But my love for you is timeless! Happy belated birthday, Mom!
- I am late with your birthday wishes, but there is always next year to get it right! Please forgive me! Loving birthday wishes, my brother!
- Wishing you lots of joy, love, and laughter on your special day! I’m sorry for the delay! Happy belated birthday, Dad!
- I’m sorry I missed your special day, Dad! Let’s pick a time to make up for my absence! Love you! Happy belated birthday!
- Here’s to a year of happiness and love, Cousin! Sorry I’m late, but know that you’re always on my mind!
- Family means everything to me! I’m sorry for the delay, but happy belated birthday!
- Sorry for the belated birthday wishes. I prefer to celebrate with you every day of the year!
- Belated happy birthday! I indeed forgot your birthday, but the most pleasant thing is, I didn’t forget you. So, be happy!
- With so much going on, your birthday slipped my mind! Happy belated birthday, my dearest sister!!
- Have a great second day of birthday celebrations (thanks to my forgetfulness)! Happy belated birthday, Dad!
- Happy birthday, Cousin! Thanks to me, your birthday celebration has been extended!! Love you!
- Happy belated wishes! I have already started counting the days until next year, so hopefully, I won’t forget again! Much love!!

Section 8 of 14:

Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes for Coworkers

Download Article

Be clear about how much you appreciate those you work with. While you may not be quite as familiar with work colleagues as you are with friends or family, it’s still thoughtful to acknowledge their birthday after the fact. Blame your calendar or a busy day at the office to keep your message lighthearted. Show them how important celebrating their birthday is to you, even if your wishes are in email form.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Time slipped by, and I missed your most important day. I sure hope it was fantastic!
- Birthday celebrations aren’t just about the day you were born but also the amazing ways you continue to impact this world. Happy belated birthday.
- Since I got this wish only a few hours late, is it technically even belated?! Hope you had a great birthday!
- I definitely won’t miss next year’s celebration. You mean too much to me! Happy belated birthday!
- I forgot your birthday, and for that, I am sorry. But hey, let’s do a second celebration tonight!
- I am sorry to have missed your special day. I will make it up to you and buy you lunch! Happy birthday!
- Work got busy, but I didn’t forget you! Belated greetings to an awesome colleague.
- Better late than never! Wishing you continued growth and great coffee breaks.
- Late wishes, but full of good vibes! Have a fantastic year ahead.
- Cheers to your birthday and everything you bring to the team! (Even if I’m a little late!)
- You’re not just a colleague, you’re a joy to work with—belated happy birthday!
- Here’s a late but heartfelt message for your birthday—may success follow you always.

Section 9 of 14:

Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes for Your Boss

Download Article

Complement your boss’s leadership in your late happy birthday message. Your relationship with your manager or boss may be friendly or formal. Either way, take the time to mention their birthday, especially if you’re both so busy at work. Express how thankful you are to have a boss like them, and tell them happy birthday, even if others at work forget.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Belated birthday wishes to a leader who inspires and guides.
- Late but respectful wishes for your health and success.
- A little late, a lot of appreciation for your guidance.
- Belated cheers for a year full of professional growth.
- Even though late, my wishes are sincere and respectful.
- Belated birthday greetings to an exceptional boss.
- Late wishes for a year filled with leadership and vision.
- Belated birthday love for a mentor and guide.
- Late but full of gratitude and admiration.
- Even if delayed, my wishes carry respect and cheer.
- Belated hugs and wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
- Late but full of positive wishes and gratitude.

Section 10 of 14:

Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes for Her

Download Article

Express how much she deserves to be celebrated. Be sincere about forgetting her birthday while focusing on what a terrific woman she is. Send her your “love and blessings,” or tell her that “every day with her is a celebration” if she’s your partner or spouse. Demonstrate why you value her and wish her the very best belated birthday ever.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- Belated birthday wishes to a truly amazing woman.
- Late but full of love and admiration for your special day.
- A little late, a lot of love—happy belated birthday.
- Belated hugs and warm wishes for a wonderful year ahead.
- Even though late, my wishes are heartfelt and sincere.
- Late but heartfelt wishes for a year as amazing as you.
- Belated birthday hugs to a woman who inspires everyone.
- Belated birthday love for a woman who deserves the best.
- Even late, my wishes celebrate your special day.
- I might be late, but my belated birthday wishes are wrapped in pure love and blessings.
- To the woman who lights up my life—sorry for missing your day. Sending you extra hugs now.
- Every day with you is a celebration. So here’s my wish—fashionably late, deeply heartfelt.

Section 11 of 14:

Elegant Happy Belated Birthday Wishes for Him

Download Article

Convey your appreciation for him when you miss his birthday. Make up for your lateness by complimenting him on what a special guy he is. When sending birthday greetings for men, apologize for your mistake, but keep the focus on what a great birthday you hope he had. Consider his birthday week or month-long, or hope for him that every day is as much a celebration for him as his birthday.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Belated birthday joy to a remarkable man.
- The date slipped by, but my feelings never did. Happy belated birthday, handsome.
- To the man who owns my heart—sorry for the late wish, but I hope your day was magical.
- Every second I missed wishing you, I thought of you. Sending all my hugs now.
- Late wishes wrapped in love—hope your birthday was as incredible as you are.
- Happy belated birthday from your punctually challenged friend!
- Better late than never, right? Wishing you a belated happy birthday filled with lots of joy!
- I lost track of time, but I didn't forget you. Here's a belated happy birthday. Use my late wishes to make your celebration last a little longer.
- Your birthday isn't just a day, it's an entire month! Celebrate for as long as you can; you deserve it! Happy belated birthday.
- I'm sorry for the delay, but my belated birthday wishes are well-intentioned. Here's to many more!
- I know I’m late, but know that my wishes for your happiness are timeless!
- Even though this wish is a bit late, it comes loaded with tons of love and best wishes for the year ahead!

Section 12 of 14:

Tips on Writing Belated Birthday Wishes.

Download Article

1
Recognize that you’re late. Start by acknowledging the delay in offering your greetings to the person whose birthday you missed. Even if your belated birthday wishes are funny, the other person should know you’re sorry for being late. Here are a few examples:
- So sorry I missed your birthday. Please accept this greeting as a token of my appreciation.
- I know this birthday message is late. I therefore offer you twice as many blessings.
- I forgot to wish you a happy birthday yesterday, but I love you all the same. Happy birthday.
2
Keep your message appropriate to the relationship. If your belated birthday wishes are for family or friends, they can be warm and personal in nature. For example, “happy birthday, beautiful friend” is appropriate for those who are near and dear to you. If you’re sending happy birthday messages to your boss, a work colleague, or someone you’re not very close to, keep them professional and polite. Some examples are ahead:
- For best friend: Life got hectic, but please know you mean everything to me. Happy belated birthday to my bestie!
- For coworker: My calendar failed me today, but I still want to send belated birthday wishes to you. Thanks for being such a great person to work with.
- For an S.O.: My love for you is always right on time, but I did mess up yesterday. Happy belated birthday, my love.
3
Make it personal. In addition to acknowledging your lateness and offering celebratory belated birthday wishes, it’s thoughtful to add a few personal touches to your messages. Quickly reference a shared experience, funny memory, or fact about the person whose birthday you missed. Some examples follow here:
- You know that I was even late on our first day of kindergarten. Please forgive me, and have a happy belated birthday!
- I thought of our college days, and clearly daydreamed too long about missing your birthday. Still, happy belated birthday to you.
- To my favorite and most forgiving [family member], I’m sorry I forgot your birthday wishes. Here they are, and twice as much!
4
Compensate for your lateness. Offer them a belated gift, get together, or celebration, if possible. If you’re friends or work together, promise that you’ll have a birthday dinner or coffee break together. If you plan on sending a late gift, let them know it’ll be twice as nice. If you can’t see them in person, arrange for a video or phone chat where you can catch up and wish them a happy birthday. Here are some ideas:
- I hope you’ll let me make it up to you by allowing me to buy you lunch/dinner next week.
- I can’t wait for our better-late-than-never birthday celebration. I’m planning it now!
- Look out for a belated birthday gift coming your way very soon.

Section 13 of 14:

Best Ways to Send Belated Birthday Wishes

Download Article

1
Send a text or message online. If you don’t have time to get them a card or gift, or plan on seeing them in person, send your short and sweet birthday wishes via text or online message. Or, post a fun photo or GIF on their social media profile. Some cute belated birthday GIFs can be found here:
2
Give them a belated birthday card. After you’ve sent your initial belated birthday wishes, write them a belated birthday card as soon as possible. It’s preferable to send a belated card within a week or 2 after missing their birthday. Anything beyond a month may feel slightly insincere, but if you’re a believer in “better late than never,” send your card with a genuinely apologetic message.^{[12]
X
Research source}
3
Offer them a belated gift or celebration. If you want to make up for someone’s birthday and go the extra mile, send them a belated gift after the fact. It’ll mean the world to them to receive a present meant to celebrate their birthday, even if it’s a little late. If you want to see them in person, plan to get together for coffee, a drink, or a meal whenever possible. Anything from having them over for dinner to taking them out for the evening will be sure to make them forget your birthday lateness.
- You can always combine the 2 and celebrate with them in person while bringing them a belated gift.

Section 14 of 14:

What does “happy belated birthday” mean?

Download Article

“Happy Belated Birthday” means “happy late birthday.” It’s a way of wishing someone a happy birthday after their birthday has passed. It acknowledges your lateness while still expressing your hope for a happy celebration.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Saying “Belated Happy Birthday” is also correct.
- “Belated” refers to something that came after it should have. For example, a “belated” apology that is sent a day after an argument.