60+ Belated Birthday Wishes – For Family, Friends, and More

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 memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift, our collection of birthday wishes is the perfect complement to make them extra happy.

To help you pick, our 60+ Birthday wishes are categorized into:

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.

How 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.

1. Oops! Looks like I set a new record for fashionably late. Belated happy birthday, fashionista!
2. I’m not late; I’m just practicing for next year’s surprise party. Belated birthday wishes, and get ready for the sequel!
3. Sorry for the delay; I was too busy aging backward. Belated birthday wishes to my forever youthful friend!
4. They say the best things come to those who wait. So, here’s my belated birthday wish – hope you waited long enough!
5. I didn’t forget your birthday; I just wanted to extend the celebration. Belated birthday wishes for an extended party!
6. 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!
7. You know you’re special when your birthday celebration lasts longer than a month. Belated wishes for a month-long extravaganza!
8. I’m fashionably late, just like those trendy influencers. Belated birthday wishes, influencer-style!
9. Sorry for the delay; I got caught up in a time warp. Belated birthday wishes from another dimension!
10. I may be late, but at least I brought enough cake for both of us. Belated birthday wishes and a slice of deliciousness!
11. Blame it on the time zones; I was celebrating in advance. Belated birthday wishes, time traveler!

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.

1. Although I missed the day, my wishes for your happiness are never too late. Belated happy birthday!
2. Apologies for the tardiness, but my thoughts of you are ever-present. Belated birthday wishes filled with love and joy.
3. Better late than never, they say. Sending you belated birthday wishes for a year filled with blessings and laughter.
4. Late to the party, but right on time to send you my warmest wishes for a wonderful year ahead. Belated happy birthday!
5. My apologies for missing your special day. Wishing you belated birthday joy and many more happy moments to come.
6. Time slipped away, but my affection for you remains. Belated birthday wishes for a year of success and happiness.
7. Though my message is delayed, my feelings of appreciation for you are always on time. Belated birthday wishes filled with gratitude.
8. Sorry for the delay in sending birthday wishes your way. May this belated message bring you joy and warmth.
9. Life got busy, but it doesn’t diminish my affection for you. Belated birthday wishes for a year filled with love and fulfillment.

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!

1. Happy Little-Bit-Late Birthday! Sorry I forgot, but I wanted to send you belated birthday wishes all the same!
2. Wishing you a belated happy birthday, pal! Sorry I missed the big day, but thought I’d extend your birthday a little longer.
3. 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!)
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Sorry I’m fashionably late to your birthday bash! Hope it was a blast!
7. Happy Belated Birthday! May your year be filled with unexpected surprises, just like this late wish!
8. Better late than never, right? Wishing you another year of unforgettable adventures!
9. Sending you belated birthday wishes wrapped in a big virtual hug!
10. Oops, I missed the memo, but I didn’t miss the chance to wish you all the best!

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.

1. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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!
5. 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!
6. 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!
7. 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!
8. 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!
9. 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!

Belated Birthday Wishes for Brother or Sister

Make up for lost time and celebrate your amazing brother or sister with these heartfelt wishes!

1. 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!
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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!
6. 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!
7. 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!
8. 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 for Relatives

1. Good things come to those who wait! Belated happy birthday Cousin!
2. We all know that birthdays are special, but someone like you is special every day! Belated happy birthday Cousin!
3. Even though this is late, it’s never too late to wish you the best of everything! Happy birthday niece!
4. 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.
5. This wish is late so that you can celebrate longer! Belated happy birthday aunt!
6. 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!
7. 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!
8. 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

1. I might have missed the date, but my love for you is timeless. Happy belated birthday, my dear!
2. Sorry for the belated wishes, but know that you’re always in my heart, every single day.
3. Even though I missed your special day, my love for you never misses a beat. Happy belated birthday, sweetheart!
4. I may have been a day late, but my affection for you grows stronger with each passing moment. Belated happy birthday, my love!
5. The celebration may have passed, but my adoration for you is unwavering. Happy belated birthday to my one and only!
6. Belated birthday wishes to the most incredible person in my life. Here’s to many more joyful celebrations together!
7. I missed your birthday, but I promise to make every day feel just as special as your big day. Belated happy birthday, my love!
8. Time got away from me, but my love and admiration for you remain constant. Happy belated birthday, darling!
9. Sorry for the delay in wishing you, but know that my love and affection for you are never delayed. Belated happy birthday, my sweetheart!

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 gift ideas, you can give them gift experiences they will never forget or you can try exploring Amazon for more gift ideas and price comparisons. Cheers to many more years of happiness and success!