Looking for belated birthday wishes? We’ve gathered belated birthday wishes that are bound to light up someone’s day, even if you didn’t remember it in time.
Birthdays are a time to celebrate, reflect, and laugh! So whether you’re giving someone a thoughtful gift or a memorable gift experience, our collection of birthday wishes is the perfect complement to make them extra happy.
To help you pick, our 100+ Birthday wishes are categorized into:
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Ready to find the perfect wish? Scroll to read more!
Is it Happy Belated Birthday or Belated Happy Birthday?
When you wish someone a belated happy birthday, you are wishing them after the birthday has taken place. It follows that, when you put the word ‘belated’ before ‘birthday’, you are implying that it is the birthday that came later than expected. But when you put the word ‘belated’ before ‘happy birthday’, then you are showing that it was, in fact, the wish that was late.
So while the phrase“Happy belated birthday” means the birthday came late, “Belated happy birthday” means your birthday wishes came late.
Still haven’t found the perfect birthday wish? Head on over to our Ultimate Birthday Wishes List and browse again by all the themes and recipients.
Tips to Wish Someone a Belated Birthday
While it can be an awkward thing to do, the best way to wish someone a belated birthday is honesty and from the heart. People’s lives are busy, and it’s not uncommon for people to forget even the most important occasion.
That being said, people often wonder what the best way is to apologize for a belated birthday. Is it better to make a joke? Or to go for a more sincere approach? What we’ve found is that it really changes from person to person.
If it’s a particularly important milestone, you might want to proceed with caution. Making a joke might make the situation worse but can also help to lighten the mood, so try your best to gauge how the person might be feeling.
Funny Belated Birthday Wishes
Sometimes life throws us curveballs, causing us to miss important moments like birthdays. But don’t worry, a little laughter can help smooth things over. Here are some funny belated birthday wishes to bring a smile to your loved one’s face, even if your message is fashionably late.
- Oops! Looks like I set a new record for fashionably late. Belated happy birthday, fashionista!
- I’m not late; I’m just practicing for next year’s surprise party. Belated birthday wishes, and get ready for the sequel!
- Sorry for the delay; I was too busy aging backward. Belated birthday wishes to my forever youthful friend!
- They say the best things come to those who wait. So, here’s my belated birthday wish – hope you waited long enough!
- I didn’t forget your birthday; I just wanted to extend the celebration. Belated birthday wishes for an extended party!
- Time flies when you’re having fun, and apparently, it also flies when you’re forgetting birthdays. Belated wishes and a reminder to set more alarms!
- You know you’re special when your birthday celebration lasts longer than a month. Belated wishes for a month-long extravaganza!
- I’m fashionably late, just like those trendy influencers. Belated birthday wishes, influencer-style!
- Sorry for the delay; I got caught up in a time warp. Belated birthday wishes from another dimension!
- I may be late, but at least I brought enough cake for both of us. Belated birthday wishes and a slice of deliciousness!
- Blame it on the time zones; I was celebrating in advance. Belated birthday wishes, time traveler!
- Who needs punctuality when you have personality? Belated birthday wishes from your favorite scatterbrain!
- I didn’t forget your birthday; I just wanted to test your patience. Belated wishes and congratulations on passing the test!
- They say it’s the thought that counts, so I’m sending you lots of thoughts (better late than never). Belated birthday wishes and a thought-filled hug!
- Sorry for missing your birthday; I got lost in the present. Belated wishes for a future filled with laughter and joy!
- Better late than never, right? Belated birthday wishes from the procrastination queen/king!
- I promise I didn’t forget your birthday; I just wanted to make sure you got enough attention. Belated wishes for a belated celebration!
- Sorry for the delay; I was busy perfecting my excuse. Belated birthday wishes and a perfectly imperfect explanation!
- They say time waits for no one, but apparently, it waits for me to remember birthdays. Belated wishes and a reminder to set more reminders!
- I didn’t forget your birthday; I just wanted to make it a surprise… a very belated surprise! Belated happy birthday!
Sincere Belated Birthday Wishes
Life’s hectic pace sometimes leads to missing important dates, but it’s never too late to extend heartfelt birthday wishes. Here are some sincere belated birthday wishes to let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them, even if your message arrives after the big day.
- Although I missed the day, my wishes for your happiness are never too late. Belated happy birthday!
- Apologies for the tardiness, but my thoughts of you are ever-present. Belated birthday wishes filled with love and joy.
- Better late than never, they say. Sending you belated birthday wishes for a year filled with blessings and laughter.
- Late to the party, but right on time to send you my warmest wishes for a wonderful year ahead. Belated happy birthday!
- My apologies for missing your special day. Wishing you belated birthday joy and many more happy moments to come.
- Time slipped away, but my affection for you remains. Belated birthday wishes for a year of success and happiness.
- Though my message is delayed, my feelings of appreciation for you are always on time. Belated birthday wishes filled with gratitude.
- Sorry for the delay in sending birthday wishes your way. May this belated message bring you joy and warmth.
- Life got busy, but it doesn’t diminish my affection for you. Belated birthday wishes for a year filled with love and fulfillment.
- Though my message arrives late, my thoughts of you are constant. Belated happy birthday, and may your year be as amazing as you are.
- Missed the date, but not the chance to let you know you’re special to me. Belated birthday wishes for a wonderful year ahead.
- Late to the celebration, but right on time to remind you how much you mean to me. Belated birthday wishes filled with love and appreciation.
- Sorry I missed your birthday, but my wishes for your happiness are unwavering. Belated birthday blessings for a year of prosperity and joy.
- Though belated, my wishes are sincere and heartfelt. Happy birthday, and may this year be your best one yet.
- Late to the party, but not to the sentiment. Belated birthday wishes for a year filled with success, happiness, and love.
Belated Birthday Wishes for Friends
Belated birthday wishes for friends are like the icing on the cake of our friendship—better late than never, right? Let’s sprinkle some laughter and cheer with these light-hearted and fun messages to make up for the tardiness and celebrate the special bond we share with our pals!
- Happy Little-Bit-Late Birthday! Sorry I forgot, but I wanted to send you belated birthday wishes all the same!
- Wishing you a belated happy birthday, pal! Sorry I missed the big day, but thought I’d extend your birthday a little longer.
- A belated happy birthday to you. May all the good things that life has to offer always find their way to your doorstep (hopefully quicker than this card!)
- Despite my wishes being a little late, you know they are straight from the bottom of my heart. I wish you success in all your endeavors. Belated happy birthday, my friend.
- It’s never too late to wish a wonderful friend like you happy birthday. May your life be full of peace, joy, happiness and success. Belated happy birthday friend.
- Sorry I’m fashionably late to your birthday bash! Hope it was a blast!
- Happy Belated Birthday! May your year be filled with unexpected surprises, just like this late wish!
- Better late than never, right? Wishing you another year of unforgettable adventures!
- Sending you belated birthday wishes wrapped in a big virtual hug!
- Oops, I missed the memo, but I didn’t miss the chance to wish you all the best!
- Sorry for the delay, but my wish for your happiness is always on time!
- Who says belated wishes can’t come with extra cake? Consider this one calorie-free!
- Time got away from me, but my warm wishes for you never do. Happy Belated Birthday!
- Here’s to celebrating you today, tomorrow, and every day in between! Belated cheers!
- I may be late to the party, but my wish for your happiness is fashionably early for the year ahead!
- My calendar messed up, but my love and best wishes for you are always in sync!
- I missed the candle-blowing, but let’s keep the celebration going! Belated Happy Birthday!
- I hope your birthday was as amazing as you are, even if my wish is fashionably late!
- Wishing you a belated birthday filled with laughter, love, and lots of leftover cake!
- My apologies for the tardiness, but my heartfelt wishes for your happiness are always right on time!
Belated Birthday Wishes for Mom or Dad
Missed your mom or dad’s birthday? Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! Here are some light-hearted and fun belated birthday wishes to bring a smile to their faces and make up for the late celebration.
- Mom/Dad, sorry for the belated wishes! I promise to make it up to you with extra hugs and kisses. Belated happy birthday to the coolest parent ever!
- To the world’s greatest mom/dad, better late than never, right? Wishing you a belated happy birthday filled with laughter, love, and all your favorite things!
- Mom/Dad, sorry for the delayed wishes! You deserve a birthday week, not just a day. Here’s to celebrating you today and every day. Belated happy birthday!
- Belated happy birthday, Mom/Dad! Remember, age is just a number, and you’re as fabulous as ever. Cheers to many more years of fun and laughter!
- Mom/Dad, sorry for the tardy wishes! You’re not getting older; you’re just gaining more wisdom and charm. Belated happy birthday to the most amazing parent ever!
- To the queen/king of our family, sorry for the late wishes! Your birthday may have passed, but your reign continues. Belated happy birthday, Mom/Dad!
- Mom/Dad, sorry for the belated wishes! I blame it on the birthday cake – it took forever to bake! Wishing you a deliciously belated happy birthday!
- Belated happy birthday, Mom/Dad! They say good things come to those who wait, so get ready for an extra-special celebration that’s worth the wait!
- Mom/Dad, sorry for the delayed wishes! You’re not old; you’re vintage, like a fine wine or a classic car. Belated happy birthday to someone who gets better with age!
- To my incredible mom/dad, sorry for the belated wishes! You’re the glue that holds our family together, and your birthday deserves to be celebrated every day. Belated happy birthday!
- Mom/Dad, sorry for the belated wishes! You’re not just a year older; you’re a year wiser, stronger, and more fabulous. Here’s to another year of awesomeness!
- Belated happy birthday, Mom/Dad! They say time flies when you’re having fun, so it’s no wonder your birthday snuck up on me. Wishing you a belated celebration filled with joy and laughter!
- Mom/Dad, sorry for the delayed wishes! Just like fine wine, you only get better with age. Here’s to another year of blessings, adventures, and unforgettable memories!
- Belated happy birthday, Mom/Dad! Even though I missed the big day, my love and appreciation for you grow stronger with each passing moment. Cheers to you, the most incredible parent ever!
- Mom/Dad, sorry for the belated wishes! Life gets busy, but you’re always in my thoughts and heart. Wishing you a belated happy birthday filled with love, laughter, and all the happiness in the world!
Belated Birthday Wishes for Brother or Sister
Make up for lost time and celebrate your amazing brother or sister with these heartfelt wishes!
- Hey there, sibling! I might be fashionably late, but my birthday wishes for you are as genuine as ever. Belated happy birthday to my awesome brother/sister!
- Sorry for the belated wishes, bro/sis! Just like fine wine, our bond only gets better with time. Here’s to celebrating you today and every day!
- Belated happy birthday, sibling! They say good things come to those who wait, so get ready for an extra dose of love and laughter coming your way.
- Hey bro/sis, sorry I missed your birthday! But you know what they say – better late than never! Sending you heaps of belated birthday hugs and high-fives!
- Belated birthday wishes, sibling! You’re not just family; you’re my partner in crime, my go-to for laughs, and my forever friend. Here’s to many more years of sibling adventures!
- Sorry for the late arrival, bro/sis! But just like our sibling rivalry, my belated wishes are fierce and unforgettable. Cheers to another year of unforgettable memories!
- Belated happy birthday, sibling! You may have aged another year, but you’re still as awesome as ever in my book. Here’s to celebrating you, today and always!
- Hey there, birthday superstar! I might have missed the big day, but I’m here now to shower you with belated birthday love and virtual confetti. Let’s make some belated birthday magic!
- Belated birthday wishes, bro/sis! Life may be busy, but you’re always on my mind and in my heart. Here’s to making up for lost time with extra laughs and celebrations!
- Sorry for the delay, sibling! But just like our favorite TV show, the best moments are worth waiting for. Belated happy birthday to the best brother/sister in the world!
- Belated happy birthday, bro/sis! They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, so consider my belated wishes extra heartfelt. Here’s to celebrating you today and every day!
- Hey there, sibling! Sorry I missed the birthday memo, but I’m here now to make it right. Sending you belated birthday wishes filled with love, laughter, and lots of cake!
- Belated birthday wishes, bro/sis! You’re not just a sibling; you’re my partner in crime, my rock, and my forever friend. Here’s to many more years of sibling adventures and unforgettable moments!
- Sorry for the late arrival, sibling! But just like our favorite movie sequel, my belated wishes are even better than the original. Belated happy birthday to my amazing brother/sister!
- Belated happy birthday, bro/sis! You’re not just family; you’re my favorite person to share jokes, secrets, and unforgettable memories with. Here’s to another year of sibling shenanigans and endless laughter!
Belated Birthday Wishes for Relatives
- Good things come to those who wait! Belated happy birthday Cousin!
- We all know that birthdays are special, but someone like you is special every day! Belated happy birthday Cousin!
- Even though this is late, it’s never too late to wish you the best of everything! Happy birthday niece!
- Your birthday came, and then it went. Here’s the message I should have sent. Belated happy birthday my beautiful niece! Sorry this message is late, but I thought I’d include a small poem to make it up to you.
- This wish is late so that you can celebrate longer! Belated happy birthday aunt!
- To my favorite Auntie, happy belated happy birthday! I’m so sorry that I missed the special day, but, to me, you are special every day!
- The world is made up of two types of people. Meticulously punctual types and the awesome fun people like me who don’t own calendars. Belated happy birthday uncle!
- Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about you. Very ‘lately’! Belated happy birthday uncle! Sorry, I missed it! Will be sure to catch the next one. Wishing you all the best.
Belated Birthday Wishes for Your Special Someone
- I might have missed the date, but my love for you is timeless. Happy belated birthday, my dear!
- Sorry for the belated wishes, but know that you’re always in my heart, every single day.
- Even though I missed your special day, my love for you never misses a beat. Happy belated birthday, sweetheart!
- I may have been a day late, but my affection for you grows stronger with each passing moment. Belated happy birthday, my love!
- The celebration may have passed, but my adoration for you is unwavering. Happy belated birthday to my one and only!
- Belated birthday wishes to the most incredible person in my life. Here’s to many more joyful celebrations together!
- I missed your birthday, but I promise to make every day feel just as special as your big day. Belated happy birthday, my love!
- Time got away from me, but my love and admiration for you remain constant. Happy belated birthday, darling!
- Sorry for the delay in wishing you, but know that my love and affection for you are never delayed. Belated happy birthday, my sweetheart!
- Belated birthday wishes to the one who makes every moment magical. Here’s to making up for lost time with extra love and hugs!
- My apologies for the tardiness, but my love for you is always on time. Belated happy birthday, my dear!
- Even though I missed your birthday, my love and admiration for you never falter. Happy belated birthday to my amazing partner!
- Sorry for missing your special day. Let’s make every day feel like a celebration of our love. Belated happy birthday, my darling!
- The calendar may say your birthday has passed, but in my heart, every day is a celebration of you. Belated happy birthday, my love!
- Belated birthday wishes to the most extraordinary person in my life. Here’s to many more years of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments together!
Conclusion
If you’ve missed a loved one’s birthday don’t fret! These things happen and now you’ve got some ideas of how to make it up to them. Just remember that it really is the thought that counts. Even if it’s a little late.
Why don’t you just make up for them by giving them a gift? For those seeking classic gift ideas, our recommendation is to start with Amazon first for more gift ideas and price comparisons. You can also give them gift experiences they will never forget.
Seth is an English-major turned stand-up comedian. When he’s not touring comedy clubs, he loves putting his creativity to use writing puns and card greetings for all occasions (not just funny ones). Many of his punny works can be found in a card store near you.