50 Belated Happy Birthday Wishes & Messages

We’ve all been there. We’re scrolling through our calendar or chatting with friends when we realize we missed a loved one’s birthday! While it’s easy to feel embarrassed or even ashamed at forgetting a special occasion, there’s no need to. Rather than dwelling on your mistake, order a birthday flower delivery, pick out a perfect belated birthday message, and let the birthday person know you’re still thinking about them.

Of course, figuring out how to wish someone a belated happy birthday is easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together a list of belated birthday wishes for you to choose from.

Understanding Belated Birthdays

Belated means something that happens later than it should have. So a belated birthday means a birthday that occurs later than it should have. Since someone’s birthday occurs on the same day each year, it’s not the birthday that’s belated, but rather the birthday wishes. So if you end up recognizing someone’s birthday later than you intended, choose the phrase belated happy birthday rather than happy belated birthday.

Belated Birthday Messages for Parents

1. “Although you’re one of the most important people in my life, I somehow missed your birthday. I hope it was everything you imagined and more.”
2. “Despite all your great teachings, I’m still forgetful! Sending you birthday wishes a few days late.”
3. “No matter how late I am in wishing you a happy birthday, I know we’ll always love each other. Belated happy birthday!”
4. “I’m so sorry for missing your big day! I hope it was filled with all the things you love.”
5. “Even though I’m a few days late in wishing you a happy birthday, I know I’m still your favorite child.”
6. “No matter how old you are or how late I am in wishing you a happy birthday, I’ll always love you.”

For more heartfelt messages, explore our Ultimate Guide to Writing Birthday Cards.

Belated Birthday Messages for Siblings

1. “Regardless of your age or my forgetfulness, I’ll always be here for you. Happy birthday!”
2. “Sending belated birthday wishes to my favorite sibling!”
3. “Sorry about forgetting your birthday, I hope these belated wishes will make up for it!”
4. “You know you’ve always been the more organized sibling, but I like to think I have my strengths too. Happy belated birthday!”
5. “No matter how old we grow, you’ll always be my favorite sibling. Happy birthday!”
6. “Don’t tell Mom, but I think I got the forgetful gene from her.”

Check out our Top 10 Birthday Gift Ideas for Daughters to find the perfect present.

Belated Birthday Messages for Friends

1. “You know your birthday is on my calendar, but I still managed to miss it. Wishing you a great day today and every day.”
2. “Even the best friends mess up sometimes. Wishing you a belated happy birthday.”
3. “Sending a big ol’ hug and cheers to one of my best friends. I hope you have a great year ahead.”
4. “Let’s schedule a Facetime call to talk about how your big day was! Sorry for missing it!”
5. “I hope your cake was everything you dreamed of. Sorry for missing your big day!”
6. “Next time we see each other, I owe you a birthday drink plus an extra for belated wishes.”
7. “You know what they say: better late than never!”
8. “Good thing I have years of on-time birthday wishes to make up for this one late year!”

Discover more inspirational birthday quotes on Goodreads.

Belated Birthday Messages for Coworkers

1. “Sorry for missing your big day! I appreciate everything you do today and every day.”
2. “I’m so sorry I missed your birthday! I hope your new age has been treating you right so far.”
3. “Turns out I’m better at meeting deadlines than remembering birthdays. Happy belated!”
4. “No matter what I forget, I know you always have my back. Happy birthday!”
5. “I took a vacation from my calendar and forgot your big day. Hope it was great!”
6. “I can’t clear your to-do list, but I can wish you a belated happy birthday!”

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Belated Birthday Messages for a Significant Other

1. “There are no words to say how much you mean to me or how sorry I am that I missed your birthday.”
2. “Although I missed your birthday this year, you’re still the most important person in my life.”
3. “I’m so sorry for missing your big day, but I promise to celebrate the rest of the year with you!”

Explore personalized birthday gifts on Amazon to make up for the delay.

Funny Belated Birthday Messages

1. “Another year, another belated birthday wish! I hope this year is your best one yet.”
2. “A team of turtles was responsible for delivering this year’s birthday wish. I think they did just great!”
3. “It turns out I can’t get everything right! Happy belated birthday.”
4. “You can think of this as a belated birthday wish or as an extra early wish for next year.”
5. “Since I forgot your birthday this year, I can also go ahead and forget your age. Best wishes!”
6. “I think I just reached the age when I forget everyone else’s birthday. Cheers!”
7. “Some say this is a belated birthday wish, but I like to think of it as well-aged.”
8. “I was so preoccupied with thinking about the perfect birthday message that I forgot to actually send it! Don’t worry, I’ll save the winner for next year.”
9. “On time? What’s that? Only the best know it’s best to send birthday wishes a few days late!”
10. “There’s no denying two things: I’m forgetful and you’re a year older.”
11. “Why wish someone a happy birthday when you can wish them a happy birth week?”

Find funny birthday cards on Etsy.

Caring Belated Birthday Messages

1. “I’m so sorry for missing your birthday! Please know that I care about you and wish you the best.”
2. “I know I forgot your birthday, but I hope this message extends your celebration a few days later.”
3. “Regardless of my forgetfulness, know that I think you’re amazing. Happy birthday!”
4. “You’re such an amazing person that I have no idea how I forgot your birthday!”
5. “I can’t believe I missed such a special person’s birthday! Wishing you the best today and always.”

Learn more about the importance of personalized messages.

Happy Belated Birthday Messages

1. “Jump for joy, your extra belated birthday wishes are here!”
2. “Thought your birthday celebrations were over? Think again!”
3. “The cool thing about belated birthday wishes is that they extend your celebrations and give you another reason to eat cake.”
4. “Beep, beep! The belated birthday mobile is here to deliver you a special birthday wish.”
5. “Cheers to another year filled with both timely and belated love!”

For more creative ideas, visit Google’s birthday ideas.

There’s Never a Wrong Time for Birthday Celebrations

Remember, there’s no such thing as a bad birthday wish! So if you forgot someone’s birthday or procrastinated sending a birthday card, go ahead and send a belated birthday message. If you’re looking for some extra inspiration to come up with the perfect words, check out more birthday messages and wishes for ideas.

And if you’re trying to make their birthday extra special, pair your wish with a bouquet of fresh flowers! You can send the birthday person a bouquet of their favorite blooms or learn about their birth flower for inspiration. No matter what arrangement you choose, you can’t go wrong with flowers. Explore personalized flower deliveries on Amazon to find the perfect bouquet.

Discover 50 belated happy birthday wishes & messages for your daughter. Perfect for making up for missed days with heartfelt and unique belated birthday messages.