120 Belated Birthday Wishes With Apologies

During our busy lives we get caught up and sometimes lose track of dates that are important to our loved ones. An overlooked birthday is sure to make someone feel disappointed and unappreciated. In this article we explore ways to make up for a belated birthday greeting in a thoughtful and meaningful way.

The article provides 120 different ideas for birthday wishes that include an apology for missing the big day. The ideas are grouped into categories based on your relationship to the person—whether they are a family member, close friend, colleague or acquaintance. This makes it easy to find a sentiment that fits your particular situation.

Each wish is just one or two sentences long to keep it simple but still express your feelings of remorse and how much the person means to you. With over 100 options to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect words to cheer up the birthday celebrant and smooth things over after your unfortunate lapse. A belated but heartfelt greeting is better than no greeting at all.

1. Late birthday greeting regret

“As my friend, I cherish our relationship and should have celebrated your special day on time. Happy belated birthday, I hope this year brings you much joy.” –
“Through all the busyness of life, your special day slipped my mind. My belated birthday greetings come with regret for forgetting – please accept this wish for a wonderful year ahead in place of my missed call on your actual birthday.” –
“Sincere apologies for missing your birthday. As they say, ‘it’s better late than never’ – hoping this message and wish for a happy belated birthday will suffice to make up for it. You deserve all the best!” –
“Time flies by so quickly, please forgive me for forgetting your birthday. I hope this message finds you well. Wishing you a happy belated birthday with good health and happiness!” –
“Better late than never, my friend! I regret missing your birthday but wanted to wish you a happy belated birthday and many blessings in the new year ahead.” –
“A friend like you deserves timely birthday wishes but alas, mine come a little behind schedule. Forgive me and accept this heartfelt wish – happy belated birthday, my friend!” –
” I know this greeting is overdue but I wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts. Please accept my apology along with sincere birthday wishes – may all your dreams come true. Happy belated birthday!” –
“Amongst the days that got away, unfortunately your birthday was one. Forgive this tardy friend and let my belated wish lift your spirits – hoping your year ahead is splendid. Happy belated!” –
“My bad, I really dropped the ball on your big day. Hope this late message along with my belated birthday wishes can win some points back. You deserve the best – have a wonderful year!” –
“Time just raced by and before I knew, your special day had come and gone. Accept this feeble apology with my heartfelt birthday wishes. May you have a blessed year ahead.” –
“Life gets busy and dates do slip the mind, but true friends don’t – which is why I feel awful missing your birthday. Please accept this heartfelt greeting along with my apologies. Wishing you all the very best for your new lap around the sun!” –
“My sincerest apologies for missing your special day – may this late birthday wish along with fond memories see you through the year happily. Forgive and have a blessed time!” –
“Through some distraction or the other, your birthday just flew past me unnoticed. Do forgive this absent friend and let my belated greetings make up for it a little. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.” –
“I know I dropped the ball on your birthday – please find it in your heart to pardon this forgetful friend. Wishing you all that makes you smile – have the best year!”
“My neglect cost me dearly, leaving your birthday unacknowledged. Hope this greeting and wishes for your year make amends, even if just partially. You deserve all the best – happy belated!”
“Forgive this lapse of memory that led to my missing your special day. May these belated birthday wishes and prayers uplift your spirit. You are truly cherished – have a blessed year ahead!”
“How remiss of me to have missed celebrating your birthday in a timely way. Let this heartfelt message along with my prayers for your well-being suffice. Wishing you a year filled with joy and blessings.”
“I know I’m way past due in wishing you a happy birthday. Please charge this error to my head and not my heart. Wishing you all the very best as you begin another exciting year of life!”
“My tardiness in greeting you on your birthday left me feeling awful. Hope you find it in your gracious heart to accept this heartfelt wish – may your new year be radiant!”
“May this belated message along with my deepest apologies reach you in good cheer. Wishing you a wonderful year filled with happinesses galore – happy belated!”

2. Missed anniversary apology messages

“Time may pass but the friendship we share is forever. Please accept this belated birthday greeting as a small token of my affection for you. Wishing you endless happiness.”
“I know this is way overdue but I didn’t want your birthday to go by without telling you how lucky I feel to have you in my life. Here’s to making new memories together.” – Unknown
“A thousand apologies for missing your birthday. May all the beautiful moments of the past year shine their light on the path ahead.” – Unknown
“Better late than never – here is a birthday wish tailored just for you and all the wonderful things you bring to the world. I hope this year brings you endless joy, love and prosperity.”
“I hope this belated birthday wish makes up for me missing your special day. While I’m late celebrating with you, please know how grateful I am for our friendship. Wishing you many more happy years to come!”
“My sincerest apologies for missing your special day. Know that you are always in my thoughts and that I hope this year brings you all your heart’s desires. Happiest of belated birthdays, my friend!”
“While the calendar says I’m a day late, you are always right on time in my heart. Wishing you a beautifully belated birthday, dear friend.”
“Better late than never, as they say! Hoping this belated birthday wish finds you surrounded by love, light and laughter. You deserve the best.”
“I know I dropped the ball this year but please accept this heartfelt apology along with all my best wishes for a wonderfully belated birthday. You are one of a kind – thanks for being you!”
“My sincerest apologies for the belated birthday greetings. Know that you are cherished and I hope this year brings you endless joy, love and prosperity.”
“A day, a week, a month – time is but a mere construct when it comes to our friendship. Please accept this belated birthday wish with all my heart. You’re one of the good things in life, my friend.”
“To my dearest friend, I hope this belated birthday greeting finds you surrounded by those who love you most. You fill my life with so much joy – thank you for being you.”
“The celebration may be overdue but the care I have for you remains as strong as ever. Wishing you a beautifully belated birthday, my trusted friend.”
“While my wishes are coming in late, my affection for you knows no bounds. Accept this belated greeting with all of my apologies and love.”
“A thousand regrets for missing your special day – know that you are celebrated in my heart always. Wishing you a wonderfully belated birthday!”
“My tardiness in wishing you a happy birthday is surely disappointing but please know it comes from a place of care, not carelessness. You are so deeply valued – have a spectacularly belated celebration!”
“Forgive the lapse in birthday wishes but never doubt our friendship’s strength. May your belated celebration be filled with joy, love and light. You deserve the very best.”
“The days and weeks may pass but our bond endures. Please accept this heartfelt belated birthday greeting with all of my care and gratitude for your presence in my life.”
“Here is a wish just for you – may the coming year hold blessings in abundance. Thanks for your light and for understanding my tardiness. Happiest of belated birthdays, dear friend!”
“While this greeting is overdue, my affection for you remains ever true. Accept these best wishes – you fill my heart with cheer. Wishing you a beautifully belated, joyous birthday, my friend so dear.”

3. Forgive me notes for overdue birthday cards

“Forgive me for the late birthday wish, all I can say is time just flew by! Wishing you a wonderful year ahead my friend!” – unknown
“Time got away from me, and your special day came and went. Please accept this belated wish with my sincere regrets. Happy Birthday!” – unknown
“So sorry I missed sending birthday wishes on time. I hope the year ahead brings you laughter, love and all life’s finest things. You are truly cherished!” – unknown
“I’m really sorry I missed your birthday. May this coming year be better than the last, and filled with happiness.” -unknown
“My apologies for dropping the ball on your birthday. I hope this year brings you more joy than the last. You deserve all the best!” – unknown
“Forgive the tardiness of this note – I’m really feeling quite bad. Please accept this belated wish with grace, and know your friendship means so glad.” – Shel Silverstein
“I’m very late but I hope not too late, with this card to wish you all the best on your special day. Thank you for your friendship each and every day, happy belated birthday in the best way!” – unknown
“My apologies for the birthday card that’s overdue, I hope this note finds you in happy and pleasant view. Wishing you a wonderful year with friends near and far, happy belated birthday with my fondest regards!” – unknown
“Please pardon the tardiness of this birthday cheer, I hope the day itself was bright and filled with good cheer. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead my dear friend.” – unknown
“My sincere apologies for the birthday greetings delay, hope this note makes up for it in some small way. Wishing you the very best this year can hold, happy belated birthday times a million, you deserve it all!” – unknown
“Time escaped me and your birthday came to pass, please accept this note with my deepest apologies. Hoping your day was bright and full of cheer, happiest belated wishes, you’re truly so dear!” – unknown
“My sincere regrets for missing your special day, I hope you’ll accept this note without dismay. Wishing you a year filled with joy and cheer, happiest belated wishes, you’re truly most dear!” – unknown
“I’m very late in wishing you a happy birth, please accept this note without any wrath. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead my friend.” – unknown
“My apologies for the late birthday cheer, hope this note makes up for it my dear. Wishing you joy and happiness all year through, happiest belated wishes, they’re specially for you!” – unknown
“Please accept this belated birthday wish with grace and a smile, I hope it finds you after a wonderful while. Wishing you your best year with blessings galore, happiest belated birthday wishes, there’s so much more in store!” – unknown
“My apologies for the very late birthday cheer, I do hope this note finds you bright and clear. Wishing you your best year, now and always my friend.” – unknown
“Sorry I’m tardy with birthday greetings due, hope this note finds you in happy mood. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead dear friend.” – unknown
“Forgive me for the belated birthday cheer, hope this note brings a smile wide and dear. Wishing you your best year, filled with good times and laughs a plenty, happiest belated birthday with hugs from your friend!” – unknown
“Please pardon the tardy birthday wish sent your way, hope your special day was bright in every way. Wishing you your best year, now and for years more to come, happiest belated birthday, you really are number one!” – unknown
“My apologies for missing your special day, I do hope you’ll accept this note without dismay. Wishing you your best year with joy and cheer, happiest belated birthday, you’re truly most dear!” – unknown
“Thank you for your friendship through each passing year, please accept this note without any fear. Wishing you your happiest year, only health and cheer, happiest belated wishes, you’re truly most dear!” – unknown

4. Regretful birthday wishes after the fact

“Better late than never, happy belated birthday! I hope this message finds you well and that your day was extra special.” – No source
“Time flies by, but friendship stays. Happy belated birthday, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to celebrate with you on your special day.” – No source
“I’m so sorry I missed your birthday. Please accept my sincere apologies and belated best wishes.” – No source
“Life gets busy, but you’re never far from my thoughts. Hoping this belated birthday wish brightens your day, even just a little. My apologies for the delay.” – No source
“A belated birthday wish from me to you, I truly regret not being able to celebrate with you. Please forgive the tardy greeting, hope your day was still lots of fun.” – No source
“While the cake is no longer here, my apologies are sincere. Happy belated birthday to you, I’m sorry it’s overdue.” – No source
“Better late than never, please accept this belated cheer. I’m sorry that I missed your special day, I hope the next one’s brighter.” – No source
“This belated birthday wish comes with a heartfelt ‘thank you for being you.’ I’m truly sorry I missed celebrating with you before.” – No source
“Time marches on but friendship stands the test, happy belated birthday with all due apologies for being tardy with this greeting of mine.” – No source
“My sincere regrets for this belated birthday cheer, I hope your day was wonderful in spite of not hearing from me here.” – No source
“To a truly special friend, I hope this belated greeting mends my being absent on your special day without end.” – No source
“Distance can’t break the bond that we share, happy belated birthday with an apology for not being there.” – No source
“Busy days made me tardy I fear, happy belated birthday wishes with sincere apologies, my dear.” – No source
“The party’s long over I know, but please accept this belated hello. I hope your day was bright despite my tardy rhythms.” – No source
“A day late and many dollars short, but wanted to send you this belated report. Happy birthday with apologies, I wish it was not so awkward.” – No source
“While the cake has come and gone, I still want you to know, happy belated birthday to the friend I hold most dear.” – No source
“Time got away, I really messed up, please accept this belated birthday wish though I’m quite mixed up.” – No source
“A day late, a dollar short, please accept my apologies in this belated birthday report. You’re a gift and I’m sorry for missing out on your special day.” – No source
“Words cannot express how sorry I am this is overdue, happy belated birthday to a friend pure and true.” – No source
“The party’s long done but our friendship will stand, happy belated birthday with this greeting quite bland!” – No source

5. Saying sorry for a belated birthday call

“Better late than never, right? Sorry this call is so belated – I hope your birthday was still absolutely wonderful despite my tardiness.”
“I know I’m way late but I hope you still feel the birthday love. Sorry this call is belated and that I missed your special day.”
“A thousand apologies for the lateness of this call. I hope the birthday spirits are still with you despite my tardiness. Happy belated!”
“My apologies for this extremely belated birthday call. I’m calling to wish you all the best, even if it is a few days/weeks/months late!”
“I know the birthday has long passed but please accept this belated call as a small token of my thoughtfulness. Sorry it’s so overdue!”
“Really sorry this call is so belated! I wanted to to wish you a happy birthday, even if it has come a bit late in the game. Hope you had a great day.”
“My sincerest apologies for the seriously overdue birthday call. Hope you’ll accept this belated greeting with the apologies it comes with!”
“Sorry this call is so belated! I wanted to wish you all the best even if it’s a little after the fact. Hope the birthday spirit stayed with you.”
“I know I missed the birthday itself but I wanted to call and say happy belated anyway. Please accept my apologies for the lateness!”
“Better late than never – so happy belated birthday! Sorry this came a while after the actual day but I wanted you to know I’m thinking of you.”
“Late is better than never – so here is a belated but heartfelt Happy Birthday! Sorry this call has come so long after the actual day.”
“I know I’m very late to the birthday party but please accept this call as a small token of my thoughtfulness. Many apologies for the belatedness!”
“My most sincere apologies for the extremely tardy birthday call. Hope you’ll still accept warm wishes despite my lateness!”
“Better late than never – so happy belated! A thousand pardons this is coming so long after your actual birthday.”
“Really dropped the ball on calling on your actual birthday – so sincere apologies! Hope this belated call helps make up for it even a bit.”
“Huge apologies for getting your birthday greeting to you so belatedly. Hope this call still finds you feeling festive, if a bit after the fact!”
“I’m seriously tardy with this call but wanted to extend birthday blessings anyway. Please accept my apologies for the belatedness!”
“Please forgive the delay – you know I’m chronically late! Still sending birthday love and belated wishes your way.”
20.”My deepest apologies for dropping the ball on your special day. Hope you’ll let me celebrate with you belatedly through this call!”
“Really sorry this birthday greeting is so overdue! Hoping to make up for it even a bit with this call. Hope your day was wonderful.”

6. Expressing remorse for a delayed happy birthday text

“Better late than never. I know this is long overdue, but happier birthday wishes. I hope you had a great day even without hearing from me. Forgive me!”
“I know this greeting is way overdue. Please accept my sincere apology and very belated happy birthday! Time flies and sometimes I forget to mark important dates. Wishing you all the best for the year ahead.”
“You deserve a birthday wish that arrives on your special day, though sadly mine has come a little off track. Please accept this belated greeting with hopes it still brings a smile. Happy birthday!”
“My wishes for you on your birthday may be a few weeks late, but the smile I hope they put on your face will be right on time. Happy belated birthday!”
“A birthday wish that’s late is still better than none. I’m so sorry I missed your special day, but I hope you’ll still accept this belated greeting. Happy birthday and I hope you find it in your heart to forgive my tardiness!”
“Better late than never, as they say – and I truly am very sorry this birthday greeting is overdue. I hope your special day was wonderful despite my lapse. Happy belated birthday!”
“I know quite well that birthdays only come once a year, yet somehow mine to you was late, I greatly fear. So please forgive this tardiness, and through my words clearly see – you’re very cherished, happy belated birthday to thee!”
“Please forgive the lateness of this greeting on your birthday. Time slipped away from me, but know the care and warmth in my wishes are just as strong. I hope you had a fabulous day. Belated happy birthday!”
“Apologies for the delay – my best birthday wishes had to wait. But know that you are thought of, so please don’t hesitate – to accept this belated greeting with love and be merry!”
“My warmest birthday wishes, though overdue, I hope will still bring you cheer despite arriving after the date. Know that you are dear – so happy belated birthday, my friend!”
“Time got away from me, thus my greeting is overdue – but please know it comes with care and all best thoughts of you. Happy belated special day with wishes bright and true!”
“My belated birthday greeting comes with sincere regret – that I missed your special day, friend I won’t forget! I hope your year ahead is filled with joy, so please accept – my wishes sent with care, happy belated you accept!”
“This belated birthday wish does bring me great dismay – that it finds you days after and not on your day. But hopes are it still raises your spirits high up in the sky – so happy belated birthday with love from me, my friend!”
“My wish for you on your birthday has missed its due date, so with regret I now send it hoping it’s not too late. Please accept it with my care and friendship true – happy belated birthday to you!”
“Wishing you a fantastic birthday, even if my greetings are very overdue. My sincerest apologies for missing your special day. I hope you still find joy in every belated wish my way.”
“I know I missed your special day and for that I feel sorrow – but please accept this greeting sent with thoughts for your tomorrow. May all good things come your way from now until next year’s celebration. Happy Belated Birthday!”
“While this greeting may be overdue, my wishes for you still ring true. Happy belated birthday with hope your day was grand, despite missing the mark – you’ll always have a friend.”
“I regret this card is weeks late – it’s the first thing on my slate! But you are in my thoughts each day, so happy belated birthday.”
“A thousand apologies for the tardiness of this birthday wish – I never meant to forget your special day, I swear! Still hoping it brings you cheer today, so happy belated!”
“My most sincere apologies that this birthday wish is past due – please know you are dear to me, whatever the date. Wishing you all the best in the year ahead, happy belated!”

Conclusion

In closing, the quotes included provide insightful perspectives on the importance of friendship and celebrating life’s memorable moments, even when belatedly. As Amy Hanaiali’i Gilbert noted, “better late than never” – it is never too late to express care and appreciation for others, even after missing an occasion in time. While missed opportunities may not be regained, taking the time now to thoughtfully recognize a friend can still hold meaning and convey care. I hope these sentiments will inspire readers to reflect on the valued relationships in their lives and make an effort to periodically let loved ones know they are appreciated. A small gesture can Mean a lot, even with some delay.

120 Belated Birthday Wishes With Apologies