Better Belated Than Never: Happy Late Birthday Wishes to Show You Care

Uh oh, did you forget someone’s birthday? Don’t be too hard on yourself. This has happened to most of us at some point. While you can’t go back in time, you can always send a heartfelt message to wish them a happy late birthday!

In this helpful guide, we’re sharing ideas on what to say in a happy late birthday card, whether it’s for a family member, your best friend, or another loved one. From funny belated birthday wishes to sentimental late birthday greetings, you’ll find the perfect way to say you’re sorry and happy birthday at the same time.

Happy Late Birthday Wishes: Words to Show You (Still) Care

No matter where you live or what you do, time flies — which is why it’s not too surprising to forget someone’s special day. Maybe you had the birthday card on hand and blanked when it was time to send it out. Maybe you got wrapped up in work or everyday errands and activities that it completely slipped your mind.

Whatever the case might be, there’s a quick remedy for the situation: a happy late birthday card. Sending a belated birthday card shows the person that you care. 

If you’re just a day or two late and you have a close enough relationship, give the person a phone call. Otherwise, you could send the person a quick happy birthday message via text or on social media. Better still, you could step it up with a personalized digital greeting card that you can create and send in minutes.

If you’re a few days or weeks late — we’re not judging! — put a little more thought into your card. You can use memes and puns to make fun of your forgetfulness or choose a sentimental message to let them know you’re thinking of them.

Here are a variety of belated happy birthday wishes to consider for your own personal message:

• Next year, I promise I’ll be on time … or even early! Happy birthday, friend. Hope you have a wonderful year!
• Better late than never, right? Here’s to hoping you had a great day. Let’s make a date to celebrate!
• You know how that saying goes: “Don’t be tardy to the party!” Well, somehow I missed the memo. I hope you were showered with birthday gifts and enjoyed lots of birthday cake. Wishing you a late happy birthday and promising we’ll plan a day to celebrate!
• I may have missed your actual birth date, but I’m not too late for the birthday month! I hope you had a special birthday but the best is yet to come. Prepare to wrap up the festivities before you turn the calendar. It’s time for us to party! 
• Sending you belated happy birthday wishes. Time got the best of me and it simply slipped my mind. Hoping you had a wonderful day celebrating and sending you all my love for a great year ahead.
• So sorry I missed your big day. But like the magical wind in “Frozen,” I’m turning up before it’s really too late! Swooping in to send the absolute best wishes to a special friend. Happy belated birthday!
• I know I’m late and I’m truly sorry. I hope you had the most marvelous and wonderful birthday celebration. I know this year will bring you love, happiness, and success. 
• I was in a fog and I mist your birthday. (See what I did there?) Sorry if I rained on your parade. Hoping this card makes you feel special today and know that you’re loved each and every day. Let’s hang soon. My treat, of course!
• As my best friend, you know how much I like saying the right thing at the wrong time. Well, in a surprise to no one, I’ve done it again. Happy late birthday! We’ll make up for it and celebrate this weekend.
• Everyone else remembered your birthday, but a true friend like me remembers you every other day too. Sorry I missed out on sending you well wishes on your actual birthday. I’ll make it up to you with a special event just for us. Happy late birthday!
• So sorry I missed your actual b-day. Consider it a preview of the post-birthday party to come: you, me, and lots of birthday cake! Happy belated birthday!
• You know how I love being fashionably late. Well, you didn’t think I’d exclude you, right? Happy belated birthday, love. We’ll celebrate next week!

Birthday Card Inspiration for Your Belated Wishes

It’s never too late to send well wishes in a thoughtful and creative card. The best part is, you don’t even have to head out to buy a card — you can create one directly from your device with just a few clicks. Greenvelope’s selection of digital cards lets you customize any template you like to create a truly unique design. Update the fonts, personalize your message, and select your colors — no design skills required! Here are a few birthday cards you can use for inspiration when sending your happy late birthday wishes.

1. It’s Your Birthday! Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Send belated birthday wishes with this vibrant and cheerful card. You can update the message to say something like, “Party like it’s your birthday, even though I missed the real day” or “I know I missed your birthday, but we party like it’s your birthday every day!”

2. Confetti Wishes Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Beautiful and bold, this birthday greeting card will surely make the recipient smile. The supported backside has tons of space for you to explain why you missed the person’s birthday, how you‘ll make it right, and well wishes for a wonderful year ahead.

3. Birthday Doodles Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

It’s not every year you miss a birthday! Take time to show you care by sending a sweet birthday card like this colorful doodle design. It’s cheerful and comes in several pre-designed colorways or you can customize one of your own. Add a birthday tune to make it even more special.

It’s Time to Send Happy Late Birthday Wishes

Did you wake up, look at the calendar, and realize you missed someone special’s birthday? Don’t worry, life happens. Luckily, with digital cards from Greenvelope, you can send your loved one a card and get your message across sooner than later. Plus, a beautifully designed digital card seems a lot more special for sending belated birthday wishes than just a text.

Start by browsing our large library of birthday cards. Choose from artist-curated designs, or if you have a little extra time, you can upload one of your own creations! Customize the card by changing the typography, color scheme, and add fun elements like music. Once you’re finished, enter the recipient’s email address and hit send. In just a few clicks, you’ll have the birthday card designed and off to the birthday honoree that’ll surely make them smile.

Whether you’ve missed the birthday by a mile (or just a few days), you can still show the person you care by sending a belated birthday card. Choose a humorous design that lightens the moment or select a classic birthday card and add a quick message saying you’re sorry for missing the actual b-day. Use inspiration from the list of belated birthday messages and you’re off to a great start.