It’s never too late to say happy birthday! Even if the actual day has come and gone, there’s no reason why you can’t still send your loved one a belated birthday wish. In fact, sometimes it might even be more special to receive a belated birthday message than one that arrives on time.
So, how do you go about wishing someone a happy belated birthday? What are the best things to say in a card or online? And is there a right and wrong way to say it? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this blog post. So whether you’re looking for sorry cards for late birthday wishes or just want some ideas for what to write, we’ve got you covered.
Happy Belated Or Belated Happy Birthday?
Of course there are instances when we forget someone’s birthday or other important event; life has a way of getting in the way of the best of plans. Realizing you missed a loved one’s birthday may be a stressful experience; we hope these funny, serious, and poignant greetings will help you find the perfect way to make amends.
It’s not quite clear how tardy birthday greetings should be sent. Some of you may be unsure whether to say “belated happy birthday” or “happy belated birthday.” So, let’s simplify things a little.
“Happy belated birthday” is the more commonly used phrase and it’s the one that you should go with.
Is Belated Before Or After?
The word “belated” means late or delayed. It can be used as an adjective (a describing word) or adverb (a doing word). When it’s used as an adjective, it goes in front of the noun it’s describing. For example:
I’m sorry I’m late. I got held up at work. (adverb)
I’m sorry for the belated response. (adjective)
In your birthday greeting, you want to use the adjective form. So, it should be “belated happy birthday.”
What Does “Happy Belated Birthday” Mean?
When you say “happy belated birthday,” what you’re really saying is “I’m sorry I forgot your birthday, but I’m still happy it’s your birthday.” You’re acknowledging that you made a mistake by forgetting their special day, but you’re also letting them know that you’re still happy it’s their birthday.
Is It Correct To Say Belated Happy Birthday?
Yes, it is correct to say “belated happy birthday.” This phrase is used quite frequently, so there’s no need to worry about whether or not it’s proper English. Just go ahead and say it!
How Do You Wish Someone A Belated Birthday?
There are a few different ways that you can wish someone a belated happy birthday. You can either write them a message in a card, send them an e-card, or post something on their social media profile.
If you’re sending a belated birthday message in a card, make sure to sign your name at the end. If you’re sending an e-card, you can add a personal message before you send it off. And if you’re posting on social media, be sure to use the appropriate hashtags so that your loved one knows you’re thinking of them on their special day.
Ideas For Belated Birthday Wishes
- A belated Happy Birthday to you! I know it’s late, but I still wanted to wish you a happy birthday.
- Sending belated birthday greetings your way, friend! I know I missed your birthday, but I wanted to make it last a bit longer to make up for it.
- We wish you a happy birthday that came a little late. Wishing you the swift arrival of happiness, success, and prosperity (hopefully more quickly than this card!)
- It’s true that I’m late with my best wishes, but please know that they come from the deepest part of my heart. I hope that everything you do turns out well for you. Wishing you a happy belated birthday, buddy.
- You are such a good friend that I hope it’s not too late to wish you a happy birthday. Peace, love, prosperity, and success be abundant in your life. Sending belated birthday greetings to a pal.
Belated Birthday Wishes For Your Cousin
- Happy birthday to my wonderful cousin! I hope you had a fantastic day, even though I’m a little late in wishing you.
- To my dearest cousin, I hope your birthday was as delightful as you are! Sorry for being late in sending my greetings.
- Wishing a very happy birthday to my lovely cousin! I hope you had a great day, even though I’m a little late in wishing you.
- Sending belated birthday wishes to my fabulous cousin! I hope you had an incredible day, even if I’m a bit late in saying so.
- Happy birthday to my amazing cousin! I hope your special day was everything you hoped for, even though I’m a little late in wishing you.
Belated Birthday Wishes For Your Niece
- A late well-wish is better than no well-wish at all, so here’s hoping that everything goes swimmingly for you from here on out! To my beloved niece: Happy Birthday!
- The day you were born has come and gone. Here is the message I was supposed to send. Wishing my lovely niece a belated happy birthday. My apologies for the delay in this mail; I hope the accompanying poem will make up for it.
- Happy birthday, and may you grow old with the elegance of falling leaves, the dignity of ancient trees, and the punctuality of this card. My best wishes on your birthday, my cherished niece. I know I’m late with my best wishes.
- I have been praying for your success ever since you were born. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you on this special day; it’s been a joy to see you blossom into the amazing lady you are now. Warmest belated birthday greetings, sent with lots of love.
- Your presence in our life has been nothing but a blessing, and I never, ever stop thinking about you. I’m sorry I missed your birthday, however I still want you to know how proud I am of the lady you’ve become. Wishing my birthday-late niece all the best!
Belated Birthday Wishes For Your Aunt
- It’s better that this greeting comes a little late than never, right? I know it’s late, but I hope you had a wonderful birthday, aunt!
- I’d want to wish my favorite aunt a very happy birthday, even if it’s late. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you, but please know how precious you are to me any day of the year!
- You’ve been there for me like a second mom, and I really appreciate that. To close this chapter of my life, I want to say thank you for all you’ve done and wish you the best in anything you do from here on out. I know I’m late in sending birthday greetings.
- I’m sorry I didn’t remember your birthday, but you don’t seem to have aged a day since last year! Happy belated birthday to my lovely aunt!
- You’ve had your fill of other people’s wishes, so here’s a very huge one from me! Auntie, I’m sorry you had to wait for a birthday greeting.
- I feel terrible that I had to miss your birthday, Auntie! Please take my apologies and birthday wishes in earnest. I have no doubt that you will accomplish whatever goal you set for yourself.
Belated Birthday Wishes For Your Uncle
- There are essentially two kinds of individuals in the world. A group of super-organized folks and a group of super-fun people who don’t use calendars. I know it’s late, but happy birthday, uncle!
- You’ve been on my mind quite a bit recently. So ‘lately’ it would seem! Wishing your uncle a late happy birthday! Really regret that I had to miss it. Will definitely attend the next one. All my warmest wishes to you.
- I missed the start of this chapter, but it’s off to a great start! To my beloved uncle, I send my heartfelt birthday greetings a few days late.
- I know it’s a little late, but I’m going to raise a glass to you today and hoping that you have a wonderful day with your friends and family. If you’re an uncle, you’ll never lose your title as the most hipster in the family. I hope you had a wonderful birthday, uncle!
Belated Birthday Wishes For Your Daughter
- I may have forgotten your birthday, but I’ll never forget how much I love you. Happy belated birthday!
- I’m sorry I missed your big day, but I hope you had a wonderful time nonetheless. belated happy birthday!
- Better late than never! I hope you had a fantastic birthday and that this year is even better than the last. belated happy birthday!
- I may have missed your birthday, but I promise to make up for it in the coming year. belated happy birthday!
- I hope you had a birthday that was as wonderful as you are. Sorry it’s belated, but better late than never!
Belated Birthday Wishes For Your Son
- I’m sorry I forgot your birthday, but I’m glad I remembered you! Happy belated birthday!
- Better late than never! Happy birthday, son!
- I may have forgotten your birthday, but I’ll never forget how much I love you. Happy belated birthday!
- I hope your birthday was as special as you are to me. Sorry it’s a little late, but happy belated birthday!
- I may have missed your birthday, but I’m always here for you. Happy belated birthday, son!
- Sorry I’m late, but I hope your birthday was as awesome as you are! Happy belated birthday!
Final Thoughts
Even if you’re a little late to the party, your belated birthday wishes can still make a big impact. So don’t forget to reach out to your loved ones and let them know you’re thinking of them, even if you’re a little late to the game.

Craig Sandeman, the Gift Giving Guru, is a passionate writer and dedicated website curator. When he’s not crafting engaging content or maintaining his online platform, you can find him exploring the Mediterranean seas, indulging in his love for island hoping. With his expertise in gift-giving and his adventurous spirit, Craig is always seeking new ways to inspire and delight others with thoughtful presents and memorable experiences.