Greetings can be late, however, so it makes much more sense to say late happy birthday, which is why belated happy birthday is the correct formulation. When you write the greeting correctly, belated modifies the phrase happy birthday. When you write it incorrectly, happy modifies the phrase belated birthday.
Certainly sending late wishes reflects poorly on you. It might suggest to your recipient that either they don't mean enough to you to remember their special day, or that you're simply too ditsy or lazy to get wish them a happy birthday on time. Worse, they might assume you don't know when their birthday is.
If you realize one or two days later, you can certainly wish someone a belated happy birthday. If you have a really good reason for not wishing someone a happy birthday on time, you could probably send birthday wishes a couple of weeks later.
Having a "late" birthday typically means that your birthday falls later in the year than most of your peers or the cutof. Continue reading.
Belated Sentence Examples
I sent a belated apology, but had no reply. A very belated Happy New Year to you all. His eyes clouded with belated concern and his voice lost its edge.
When you say “Belated happy birthday,” you're saying that your greetings are late, and not the birthday. Since the latter is what you really mean, this is the correct phrase. Use “belated happy birthday” if you are late with your birthday wishes. I know what you may be thinking.
Taken literally, you are saying that their birthday is coming later than it should have done. It's important to remember that belated means that something is coming or happening later than it should, so when using it in a sentence it should be used as an adjective to describe a noun.
Belated happy birthday wishes to a coworker
“Sorry I'm late, but better late than never! Wishing you a belated happy birthday!” “Hope you had a fantastic birthday, even if I missed it. Belated happy birthday!”
What if I receive a “Happy Belated Birthday” message? If you receive a belated birthday message, it's still polite to respond and thank the person for their good wishes. For example, you could say, “Thanks so much for remembering my birthday, even though it's a little late!
“There is no set expiry date for the well wish,” said Ann Elizabeth Burnett, Etiquette Consultant, and founder of Elizabeth Etiquette, who goes by her business' name. “But by the end of the first week, after New Year's, the greeting has sort of waned.”
Something belated comes after the fact. If you are late to deliver a birthday greeting, then make it a "happy belated birthday" card. Belated Christmas gifts come after December 25.
Greetings later than never, greetings on a certain date or when greetings are overdue, sorry for the late wishes, you should always be happy. Eg: I am sorry that this greeting came to you late, I forgot to greet you due to circumstances.
If you are aware of the fact that it's someone's birthday, then definitely. Otherwise, it wouldn't be offensive or rude. However, if the said person expects you to remember their birthday and celebrate it, you might end up in a bit of an awkward position once you forget their special day.
“Thank you so much, I've been waiting for your message.” This is from a special friend, who never forgets to wish you. Glad even late but they keep their record.
If You Need to Call or Send Them a Text Instead
So you could say in your message: Hi [Name], just wanted to let you know that I'm running [minutes] late due to [reason]. So sorry for the inconvenience, and I promise to keep you posted on my whereabouts.
The most important information you should include in your late birthday invitation is the date & time, where the event will take place, who is hosting, the purpose of the event and any additional information that might be of interest to the guests.
I'm so sorry this is getting to you late, but please know I was thinking of you and wishing you everything wonderful. I can't believe I missed your birthday, because you're too special to ever forget. I'm actually kind of glad this is late because now it's a happy surprise! I didn't really forget your special day…