14 Happy Belated Birthday Messages to Make Up for Missing the Day
Uh oh … you’re just realizing that someone special’s birthday has already happened. Don’t panic! You can still let them know how much you care by sending a happy belated birthday message.
In this guide, we’ll share how to write a heartfelt (or funny) belated birthday message, some of our favorite wording ideas, and some delightful digital cards to help you get those birthday wishes to them ASAP!
How to Send a Thoughtful Happy Belated Birthday Message
Want to send a belated birthday card to a loved one, friend, or coworker, but not sure where to start? Here’s how to approach writing and sending belated happy birthday wishes to someone you care about.
Be Open and Honest
People miss appointments, deadlines, and even the birthdays of people they care deeply about. Life happens! Your loved ones won’t mind that your message is a few days late — only that they get to receive it in the first place.
Include a line or two in your late birthday message that mentions that it’s belated, along with a reason if you have one. Whether it’s that you missed a calendar notification, a major project came up at work, or you came down with an illness — acknowledging your lateness can go a long way towards creating a good feeling.
Make the Message Feel Personal
The best birthday greetings are the ones that feel like they couldn’t have been written for anyone else. Capture this spirit and use it to help you guide the way you write your happy belated birthday message.
Include a reference to a memory the two of you have enjoyed together, or share your excitement for your friend’s upcoming vacation or big life event. Ask the recipient about their garden, new puppy, new crochet hobby, or anything else that makes your message feel so personal that it doesn’t matter that it’s late.
Offer Something Special
We can often feel the need to go the extra mile if our birthday message is late. Make up for any lost time by adding something special to your greeting — whether it’s a promise to get lunch together, a reminder that their birthday gift is on the way, or an offer to help them out with a task.
When you use Greenvelope to send an online card, you can also add a digital gift card. This is a lovely and practical way to send a birthday gift — especially if you don’t live near the recipient or you don’t want them to be delayed by snail mail.
14 Happy Belated Birthday Message Ideas
Coming up with something to say inside a belated birthday card can be a challenge, especially if it’s your first time. Don’t worry though, as we have plenty of heartwarming belated birthday greetings and funny belated birthday wishes that are perfect for any recipient — whether it’s a family member, close friend, or coworker:
- Wishing you a happy belated birthday, [Name]. Sorry the card is a few days late!
- Better late than never, right? One day I’ll send the card on time!
- Hope you enjoyed a very special day with [Names]. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it — the germs got me!
- Happy bday to the best friend in the world! Sorry that your card is late, but at least my gift made it there on time.
- I hate my calendar app! I promise I had the best intentions of getting this to you on time, but life got in the way. Know that you’re always loved and appreciated. Happy birthday!
- Happy late birthday to the best mentor and friend I’ve ever known.
- Sending you late birthday wishes because, as usual, I can’t stick to a deadline!
- Best wishes for your big day! I hope you had the best time. Save a slice of birthday cake for me?
- I can’t believe I didn’t get this card to you before your big birthday celebration. Please forgive me — the next round of beers is on me!
- Oops, I’ve done it again … happy belated birthday to the best brother in the world!
- I promise I’ll send this on time next year. Maybe.
- Sending belated birthday wishes to my favorite sister.
- Hope you had a great birthday, [Name]. Sorry I couldn’t make it there, and that life got in the way of me sending this card on time. I hope you and your family are well!
- Wishing you a wonderful birthday week, [Name]. Let’s get together soon for coffee and cake!
Share Your Message with One of These Happy Birthday Cards
The best thing to pair with your birthday message is an upbeat happy belated birthday card. Luckily, we have lots of wonderful electronic birthday cards to help you spread that birthday cheer — even if it’s a little late.
Explore some of our most-loved birthday card designs, and choose your favorite. You can customize every design too, so take some time to experiment with colors, layout, fonts, and wording before you hit send.
1. Simple Birthday Banner Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Let your best friend or family member know you’re thinking of them with this photo birthday card, complete with space for a birthday image of the recipient. Add a personal message to the front and you have a lovely way to celebrate the day.
2. Birthday Doodles Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Put a smile on your loved one’s face with this fresh illustrated birthday card. We adore the playful doodles and that there’s lots of room for a long happy belated birthday message.
3. HBD Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Send those birthday wishes across the distance with this minimalist birthday card. While the front design is simple, it’s available in plenty of color options — or you can ask our designers to add a personal touch by adding the recipient’s favorite colors.
4. Biiirthday Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
We love this playful birthday card, and think it’s perfect for when you want to create a fun, upbeat vibe. Pair this bright and bold design with your belated birthday message on the reverse for a perfect way to wish them well.
5. Fun Sophistication Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
If you’re looking for a digital card when you can add the recipient’s age, then this contemporary photo card is ideal. Keep it simple with modern colors and illustrations, and add a personal flavor with a big, smiling photo of the birthday guest of honor.
How to Avoid Sending a Late Birthday Message Again
Sending a late birthday card every now and again isn’t a problem — after all, sometimes you can’t avoid it. If you want to avoid it in the future though, a great way to do this is by designing and scheduling your birthday cards in advance.
With Greenvelope you can create, customize, and schedule your happy birthday ecards and invitations for a future date. Doing this allows you to create all your birthday greeting cards in one batch then assign them to be delivered at the perfect time, every time. It’s simple too — instead of clicking send, all you do is hit schedule and choose the right date.
Send Your Good Wishes Now
Missing a birthday can feel tough, but you can turn it around with these sweet, thoughtful, and funny belated birthday message ideas. Find your favorite message, add your own personal touch, and you have the perfect way to send birthday cheer to a loved one.
Once you’ve selected the right message, pair it with one of our birthday cards for maximum impact. Customize the card before you hit send, and your friend or family member will receive a beautiful, personalized birthday card in moments.
