Happy Belated Birthday: 120 Messages To Make Up For Lost Time

We all want to feel appreciated and remembered on our special day. Unfortunately, life can get in the way, and we can forget about important dates. Sending a happy belated birthday message can show someone that, even though you forgot their birthday, you still care about them and are thinking of them.

A belated birthday message is the perfect way to show someone you care and to apologize for missing their special day. The message can be an apology, a funny joke, a sweet note, or an inspirational thought. The goal is to make the person feel special after their big day has passed.

From funny jokes to sweet poems, we’ve rounded up 120 of the best belated birthday messages to make up for lost time. Read on to find out more!

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Funny Belated Birthday Messages

Belated birthday wishes to you! Better late than never, right?
Happy belated birthday! Let’s face it: you’re not getting any younger!
Hey, sorry I’m late in wishing you a happy birthday. I’m just fashionably late!
Sorry, I’m late in wishing you a happy birthday. I was waiting for the perfect moment to say it.
Sorry, I’m late in wishing you a happy birthday… I was too busy partying with the other latecomers!
Oops, I guess I don’t keep up with time… Happy belated birthday!
Sorry I missed your birthday, but better late than never, right?
Happy belated birthday! I hope it was as special as you are!
I can’t believe I missed your birthday… Better late than never, right?
I’m sorry I missed your birthday, but I have a good excuse. I was busy looking for the perfect gift for you, but I couldn’t find anything that matched your awesomeness. So I decided to give you myself instead. You’re welcome. And don’t worry, I’m not a re-gift.
Happy belated birthday! I hope you had a great day, even though I wasn’t there to celebrate with you. But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you by being extra nice to you for the next year. Or at least until your next birthday. Which I’ll probably miss again. But hey, it’s the thought that counts. And I thought about you a lot. Just not on your birthday.
I know I’m late, but happy birthday! You know what they say: better late than never. Unless it’s a payment, then you’re in trouble.
Happy birthday! Sorry for the delay, but I was waiting for the right moment to surprise you. And that moment is now! Surprise! You’re still awesome, and I still love you! And I also got you a cake. But I ate it. And I also got you a card. But I forgot to sign it.
I hope you had a wonderful birthday, even though I forgot to wish you on time. But hey, look at the bright side. You get to celebrate your birthday twice! Once on the actual day and once when you get my message. And also, you’re one year closer to getting senior discounts. And one year further from being a teenager. That’s something to be happy about.
Happy belated birthday! Sorry for being late, but I was busy saving the world from aliens. You know how it is. But don’t worry, I didn’t forget about you. You’re my favorite person in the whole galaxy. And that’s saying something because there are a lot of aliens out there.
Happy birthday! Sorry for the late wishes, but I was stuck in traffic. For a whole week. It was crazy. But I’m glad I finally made it to your party. Oh wait, it’s over? Well, that’s awkward. But hey, at least I brought you a gift. It’s in the car.
Happy belated birthday! I hope you had an amazing day, even though I wasn’t there to share it with you. But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you by taking you out for dinner on me. Just kidding, you’re paying.
Happy birthday! Sorry for being late, but I was busy doing something very important. Like watching Netflix. Or playing video games. Or sleeping. You know, the usual stuff. But hey, I’m here now, and that’s what matters. Right?
Happy belated birthday! I hope you had a blast on your special day, even though I missed it by a mile. But don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you by throwing you another party. Next year. Maybe.
Happy belated birthday! Sorry for being late, but I had a good reason. I was trying to find out how old you really are. But it turns out, no one knows. Not even Google. You’re such a mystery.

Apology Messages

Are you looking for the perfect belated birthday message that expresses your apology? Here are 20 examples to help you get started.

I’m so sorry for missing your special day. I hope you forgive me and have an amazing belated birthday.
I may be late, but my love for you didn’t forget your birthday. I’m sorry for missing it. Happy belated birthday!
Oh no! I forgot your birthday! I’m so sorry for the late congratulations. Belated happy birthday!
This belated birthday wish comes with a double dose of love and apology. I’m so sorry for not wishing you on time.
I can’t believe I missed your birthday – I’m really sorry! Here’s wishing you a belated happy birthday.
A big, heartfelt apology and lots of warm wishes for a belated happy birthday!
I’m sorry for missing your birthday but I hope you have a wonderfully belated happy birthday!
Sorry, I missed your special day. Happy belated birthday!
Sending you lots of love and late wishes for a happy belated birthday.
I’m really sorry I didn’t make it in time for your birthday. May you have a wonderful belated happy birthday!
Sending lots of belated birthday love and apologizing for missing your special day.
I hope you forgive me for not wishing you on time. Happy belated birthday!
I am so sorry that I missed your birthday. May you have a great belated happy birthday!
Sending you a belated happy birthday wish with lots of love and a big apology.
I’m sorry for forgetting your birthday. Here’s a warm belated wish to make up for it.
Forgive me for not wishing you on time. I hope you have a belated happy birthday.
I hope you forgive me for missing your birthday. Happy belated birthday!
Sending you a big belated happy birthday wish with lots of love and a heartfelt apology.
I hope you forgive me for not making it in time. Here’s wishing you a very belated happy birthday!
Apologies for the belated wishes! Hope your birthday was fantastic. Here’s to a year filled with joy and success ahead.

Emotional Messages

When you’re really sorry for missing someone’s special day, emotional messages can go a long way in expressing your true sentiments.

Whether it’s a few words expressing your deep regret or a full-length paragraph sharing your emotions, these messages can help make up for lost time.

Here are some examples of emotional belated birthday messages that you can use:

I’m so sorry that I missed your special day. I hope you know how much I care about you. I’m so glad you were born and that I get to share this life with you. Happy belated birthday!
I know I’m late, but I wanted to let you know I was thinking of you on your special day. I’m sorry for not being there to celebrate with you. Happy belated birthday!
My heart sank when I realized I had forgotten your special day. Please forgive me and accept my sincerest apologies. I hope your day was filled with love and joy. Happy belated birthday!
“I’m so sorry that I missed your birthday, but I’m here now to wish you a happy belated birthday. I hope your day was as wonderful as you are.”
I can’t believe I forgot your birthday, but please know I’m so grateful for our friendship. I’m sorry for my forgetfulness. Happy belated birthday!
My heart aches for not being able to celebrate your special day with you. I’m sorry for not being there. I hope you have an amazing year ahead. Happy belated birthday!
I know I’m a few days late, but I wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and wishing you a wonderful birthday. I hope you had a great day. Happy belated birthday!
I’m sorry I didn’t make it in time to celebrate your birthday. I hope it was filled with love and joy. Please accept my sincerest apologies. Happy belated birthday!
I’m so sorry for missing your special day. Please know that I’m here now to express my love and wish you an amazing year ahead. Happy belated birthday!
I know I’m late, but I hope you know I would’ve been there to celebrate if I could. I’m sorry for not being able to make it. Happy belated birthday!
My apologies for being so forgetful. I hope you know how much I care, and am here now to wish you a happy belated birthday.
Sorry for missing your birthday. You are a dear friend, and I hope you enjoyed your day. I’m ashamed of being forgetful and missing your special day. Warm regards and belated birthday wishes.
Happy belated birthday. You are a valued friend, and I hope you had a great day. I regret being careless and overlooking your important day. Best wishes and belated birthday blessings.
Forgive me for missing your birthday. You are a cherished friend, and I hope you had a wonderful day. I’m sorry for being inattentive and neglecting your significant day. Heartfelt gratitude and belated birthday compliments.
Apologies for missing your birthday. You are a loyal friend and I hope you had a fun day. I’m embarrassed of being negligent and forgetting your special occasion. Warmest regards and belated birthday greetings.
Greetings on your belated birthday. You are an esteemed friend and I hope you had a splendid day. I feel guilty for being thoughtless and missing your important occasion. Best regards and belated birthday congratulations.
Pardon me for missing your birthday. You are a wonderful friend and I hope you had a fabulous day. I’m sorry for being distracted and ignoring your significant occasion. Sincere gratitude and belated birthday praises.
I’m really sorry I missed your birthday, but my wish for you is timeless: May your life be filled with endless happiness and cherished moments. Belated happy birthday!
Although my birthday greeting is late, my heartfelt wishes for you are as sincere as ever. May your year ahead be filled with love, laughter, and dreams come true. Belated happy birthday!
Time slipped away, but my best wishes for you remain. May this belated birthday message bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Wishing you a year of incredible moments and happiness.

Sweet Belated Birthday Messages

When it comes to belated birthday messages, sweet messages are often the best way to make up for lost time and to make the recipient feel special. Here are 20 examples of sweet belated birthday messages to get you started:

I’m sorry for forgetting your special day, but I hope that belated birthday wish brings you a smile.
Forgetting your birthday was a big mistake, but I hope you know that I’m thinking of you on your special day. Happy belated birthday!
Belated birthday wishes to someone who means the world to me. I hope you have a great day!
I may have forgotten, but I never stopped thinking of you on your birthday. Happy belated birthday!
Belated birthday wishes to the best person I know. I hope your day was as special as you are!
Better late than never! I hope your birthday was as wonderful as you are.
I may have forgotten your birthday, but I’m still wishing you the best. Happy belated birthday!
I hope it’s not too late to send my warmest wishes. Belated birthday wishes to a wonderful friend!
My belated birthday wishes come with a big apology. I hope this wish makes it up to you!
Time may have gotten away from me, but my thoughts were with you on your special day. Happy belated birthday!
Happy belated birthday to a true blessing in my life. I hope your day was as special as you are!
I’m sorry for not being there for your special day, but I hope this belated birthday wish brightens your day.
I may have forgotten your birthday, but I hope you know you’re always on my mind. Belated birthday wishes!
I’m sorry it took me so long to wish you a happy birthday, but I hope it doesn’t take me too long to make up for it. Happy belated birthday!
My belated birthday wishes come with many apologies and lots of love.
I may have forgotten, but I still wanted to wish you all the best. Happy belated birthday!
I hope this belated birthday wish brings a smile to your face. You deserve it!
Belated birthday wishes to someone who means so much to me. I hope your birthday was as special as you are!
My belated birthday wishes come with lots of hugs and kisses. I hope you had a great day!
My belated birthday wishes come with all my love and appreciation. I hope you had an amazing day!

Inspirational Messages

Birthdays are not just about cake and presents but also about reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the year ahead.

A belated birthday message can serve as a reminder that every day is a blessing and to make the most of it.

Here are some inspirational messages to share with someone celebrating a belated birthday:

You have a choice every day to make the most of your life. Belated birthday wishes for you to have a wonderful year ahead.
“The past is effectively a different life. Now is the time to focus on the future. Belated happy birthday!”
No matter how late, I wish you the best for your birthday and the year ahead.
It’s never too late to start new goals or take on a new challenge. Belated happy birthday!
Life is too short to focus on the past. Take advantage of every second and make your dreams come true. Belated birthday wishes to you!
Wishing you a belated happy birthday and that you will always have the courage and strength to pursue your ambitions.
Missing your birthday, but never missing an opportunity to wish you the best for the future. Belated happy birthday!
Wishing you a belated happy birthday and that the year ahead will be filled with success, joy, and new experiences.
On your birthday, remember that nothing is ever too late. Make use of every moment and seize every opportunity. Happy belated birthday.
A belated happy birthday and best wishes for making the most of each and every day.
A belated happy birthday to you, and may you always have the courage to try something new and exciting.
It may be late, but never too late to wish you the best for this year. Belated happy birthday!
Making up for lost time and wishing you a belated happy birthday. May you have a healthy and prosperous year ahead.
You have so much potential. Never forget that. Belated happy birthday!
Belated birthday wishes for you to find the courage to take on new challenges and discover new things.
Wishing you a belated happy birthday and that you will find joy in every day of the year.
Always remember that you have the power to make your dreams come true. Belated happy birthday!
Take the time to recognize the things that you have achieved. Belated happy birthday!
Wishing you a belated happy birthday and that you will find the strength to persevere and reach your goals.
May this belated wish serve as a reminder that your impact is felt every day, not just on your birthday. Keep shining your light, pursuing your dreams, and inspiring everyone around you. Your journey is an inspiration, and your birthday is the perfect occasion to celebrate it. Here’s to another year of growth, joy, and countless opportunities. Happy belated birthday, and may your path ahead be filled with even greater successes and adventures!”

Heartfelt Messages

Sending a heartfelt belated birthday message can be an incredibly meaningful gesture. It shows your recipient that you truly care and that you want to make up for lost time. Here are some examples of heartfelt belated birthday messages that you can send to your loved ones.

I’m so sorry I missed your birthday. I hope you had a wonderful day, and I’m sending you all my love for a special belated celebration.
I want you to know that I am so sorry for forgetting your birthday. I hope you have a wonderful day and that I can make it up to you. Happy belated birthday!
I know I forgot your birthday, and I am so sorry. I hope you can forgive me and let me shower you with love on your belated birthday.
I may have missed your special day, but I want you to know that I never forget how special you are. I hope you’ll accept my belated wishes for a happy birthday.
It was an oversight to forget your birthday, and I deeply regret it. I hope you can forgive me and allow me to send you belated birthday wishes.
I hope you had the best birthday ever, even if I wasn’t there to celebrate with you. Belated birthday wishes to my favorite person.
Happy belated birthday to the most amazing person I know. I hope you had an incredible day, even though I wasn’t able to celebrate with you.
I’m so sorry I missed your special day. Please accept my belated wishes for a wonderful and memorable birthday.
I’m sending the warmest belated birthday wishes your way. I hope you felt all the love from me, even though I wasn’t able to be there.
I may have forgotten your birthday, but I’ll never forget how much you mean to me. Belated birthday wishes to you!
I hope you have an amazing year ahead, and I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you. Sending you belated birthday wishes and lots of love.
My love for you is unconditional, and it hasn’t changed, even though I forgot your birthday. Belated birthday wishes to you!
I made a mistake, and I’m sorry. Even though I’m late to the party, I hope you can accept my belated birthday wishes.
Missing your birthday was an honest mistake, and I hope you can forgive me. Belated birthday wishes to the most special person in my life.
I may be too late to the party, but I hope you can still feel my love. Belated birthday wishes to the most important person in my life.
Words can’t express how sorry I am for forgetting your birthday. Please accept my belated wishes for a birthday that’s filled with joy and love.
Happy belated birthday to the best person I know. I hope you feel all of my love, even though I wasn’t able to celebrate with you.
My belated birthday wishes are filled with lots of love and admiration. I hope you can forgive me for forgetting your special day.
I’m truly sorry for missing your birthday. My warm wishes for you are as genuine as ever. May this belated message carry all the love and joy you deserve. Your presence in my life is a gift every day, and I hope your birthday was just as extraordinary. Here’s to a year filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments. Happy belated birthday!”
I want you to know that although my birthday wishes are late, my appreciation and admiration for you are timeless. Your kindness, strength, and incredible spirit deserve to be celebrated every day. May the year ahead be a chapter of incredible achievements and beautiful moments. Happy belated birthday, and may life’s blessings continue to grace your path.

Final Thoughts

It’s never too late to make up for lost time and send a belated birthday message. In some cases, a belated message can even have a bigger impact than if you had sent it on time. No matter how late you are, sending a thoughtful, personalized message is sure to make your loved one’s day and show them you care.