Wishing a belated happy birthday: Funny phrase ideas for when you forget a birthday

Who hasn't had this happen at least once in their life? Forgetting a birthday, while not the most serious thing in the world, is never pleasant. Everyone wishes to be present in a loved one's life, especially on a birthday. If you are reading this blog, it means that it has happened to you. Don't make a big deal out of it! You can still send your birthday wishes, even if they are a few days late. Perhaps you can emphasise on the fact that you forgot and turn your oversight into a funny moment.

In this blog we have gathered a list of belated birthday wishes, whether they are humorous or more affectionate.

Funny belated birthday wishes

Looking for a fun way to wish a belated happy birthday? Here are some fun ideas that will bring a smile to the birthday person's face:

• "I didn’t forget your birthday; I just wanted to make it last longer. Happy belated birthday!"
• "It’s not that I forgot your birthday… I’m just fashionably late. Happy belated birthday!"
• "Happy belated birthday! I blame my calendar, not my heart!"
• "I’m not late; I’m just in a different time zone. Happy birthday, whenever it was!"
• "Your birthday slipped my mind, but that just means you get an extra day of love and attention!"
• "Happy belated birthday! Let’s pretend I’m early for next year."
• "I didn’t forget; I was just extending the celebrations. Happy (very) belated birthday!"
• "I’m not late; I’m just giving your birthday wishes some extra thought. Happy belated birthday!"
• "They say good things come to those who wait...so here’s your belated birthday wish!"
• "Better late than never, right? Happy belated birthday to one of my favourite people!"

Apologetic but heartwarming belated birthday wishes

• "I’m so sorry I missed your special day, but I’m sending all my love and best wishes now. Happy belated birthday!"
• "I may have missed your birthday, but my love and appreciation for you are timeless. Happy belated birthday!"
• "I’m sorry for being late, but I hope your birthday was as amazing as you are. Wishing you joy and love, always."
• "Please forgive me for being late, but know that you mean so much to me. I hope your birthday was filled with joy and laughter!"
• "Better late than never, right? I’m sorry for the delay, but my love and good wishes for you are as strong as ever. Happy belated birthday!"
• "I might be late, but my love and wishes for you are eternal. Happy belated birthday to someone truly special!"
• "I’m truly sorry for missing your big day. I hope it was incredible and that this belated wish brings a smile to your face!"
• "I missed your birthday, but I’ll never miss a chance to tell you how much you mean to me. Happy belated birthday!"
• "Turns out, I’m not great at dates. I hope you can forgive me! Happy belated!"
• "Sorry I missed your birthday! I hope it was as amazing as you are!"
• "Late wishes, but double the love! Happy belated birthday!"

Some tips for what to do when missing a birthday

Missing someone’s birthday can feel awkward, but there are plenty of ways to make up for it. Here's what you can do when you miss a birthday:

• Send your birthday wishes with a funny or heartfelt message (p.s you can also send a card and blame it on the post delay ;) )
• Be proactive for next year! Add their birthday to your calendar or set a reminder so you don’t miss it again. Did you know that with YourSurprise you can create your own birthday calendar? Check it out here and start adding all the important birthdays
• Send them a thoughtful gift. Looking for any ideas? Check out our list of unique birthday gifts.

Belated birthday wishes for a friend

• "Who says the celebrations have to end on the day? Let’s keep the party going! Happy belated birthday!"
• "I’m late to the party, but I’m here to bring extra joy to your birthday month. Happy belated birthday!"
• "Sorry I missed the day, but here’s to a belated birthday wish filled with love and laughter!"
• "Belated birthday wishes to my forever friend. Let’s pretend I’m early for next year!"
• "Whoops! My calendar and I had a falling out. Happy belated birthday to one of my favourite people!"
• "Happy belated birthday to the friend who always forgives me… even for being late!"
• "I feel awful for missing your birthday, but please know how much I treasure our friendship. Sending you lots of love!"