Funny Belated Birthday Wishes in Hindi

Funny belated birthday wishes in Hindi – a delightful exploration into expressing belated happiness with humor and heart. Imagine the perfect words to make someone smile, even if their birthday has passed. This journey delves into various styles, from playful puns to heartfelt sentiments, offering a treasure trove of creative expressions for all occasions. We’ll explore how to craft messages that are both memorable and meaningful, ensuring your belated wishes resonate with warmth and humor.

From crafting the perfect message to choosing the right tone, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the tools to send heartfelt and hilarious belated birthday wishes in Hindi. We’ll explore the nuances of language, humor, and cultural context, ensuring your message is received with laughter and appreciation.

Belated Birthday Greeting Styles in Hindi

A belated birthday wish, delivered with the right tone, can convey warmth and appreciation. The language used in Hindi, like any language, allows for a wide spectrum of expressions, from formal and respectful to informal and playful. Understanding these nuances is key to crafting a personalized and effective message.

Different Styles of Belated Birthday Wishes

Various styles of belated birthday wishes in Hindi cater to different relationships and occasions. These range from heartfelt expressions to lighthearted humor, reflecting the sender’s connection with the recipient.

• Formal and Respectful: These wishes maintain a professional tone, suitable for colleagues, superiors, or elders. They emphasize politeness and acknowledgment of the birthday. For example, “आपके जन्मदिन की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएँ। आशा है कि आपका दिन बहुत अच्छा बीतेगा।” ( Aapke janmdin ki bahut-bahut shubhkamnaen. Aasha hai ki aapka din bahut achcha bitega.)
  – “Many happy belated birthday wishes. I hope you had a wonderful day.” This style often uses formal vocabulary and polite phrases.

• Informal and Friendly: These wishes are more casual and personal, suitable for close friends and family. They might include playful humor or affectionate language. For instance, “देर से ही सही, लेकिन दिल से, जन्मदिन की बहुत-बहुत बधाई! ( Der se hi sahi, lekin dil se, janmdin ki bahut-bahut badhai!)
  -“Late, but from the heart, many happy belated birthday wishes!” This style incorporates more colloquial expressions and contractions.
• Humorous and Playful: These wishes use lighthearted humor to express warmth and appreciation. They might make a joke or use puns, appropriate for close friends or family. Example: “जन्मदिन की बधाई! थोड़ा देर से, लेकिन प्यार से। ( Janmdin ki badhai! Thoda der se, lekin pyaar se.)
  -“Happy belated birthday! A little late, but with love.” These wishes often employ creative wordplay and a light tone.

• Heartfelt and Sentimental: These wishes express deep affection and appreciation. They might recall shared memories or express gratitude for the recipient’s presence in your life. For example, “आपके जन्मदिन पर, मैं आपको याद कर रहा था। आपके साथ बिताए हर पल की यादें मेरे दिल में हमेशा बनी रहेंगी। ( Aapke janmdin par, main aapko yaad kar raha tha. Aapke saath bitaye har pal ki yaadein mere dil mein hamesha bani rahengi.)
  -“On your birthday, I was thinking of you.

  The memories we shared will always remain in my heart.” This style uses emotive language and personal anecdotes.

Categorizing Belated Birthday Wishes

Organizing these wishes by the relationship between the sender and receiver allows for more targeted and effective communication.

Relationship Category	Example Wish (Hindi)	Example Wish (English Translation)	Style
Close Friends	“जन्मदिन की बहुत-बहुत बधाई! देर से ही सही, लेकिन दिल से।”	“Happy belated birthday! Late, but from the heart.”	Informal, Friendly
Family Members	“आपके जन्मदिन की शुभकामनाएं। आपके साथ बिताए हर पल की यादें हमेशा हमारे दिलों में बनी रहेंगी।”	“Happy birthday wishes. Memories of every moment spent with you will forever remain in our hearts.”	Heartfelt, Sentimental
Colleagues	“आपके जन्मदिन की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएँ।”	“Many happy belated birthday wishes.”	Formal, Respectful
Significant Other	“देर से ही सही, लेकिन मेरा प्यार हमेशा आपके साथ रहेगा।”	“Late, but my love will always be with you.”	Heartfelt, Romantic

Humor in Belated Birthday Wishes

A belated birthday wish, while acknowledging a delay, offers a unique opportunity for humor. It allows for playful jabs and witty remarks, adding a touch of warmth and personality to the message. The key is to strike a balance between the apology for the delay and the enjoyment of the humor.This type of humor often relies on puns, wordplay, and lighthearted observations.

It’s a way to acknowledge the lapse in timing while still expressing genuine well wishes. The humor used in these wishes often mirrors the relationship between the sender and receiver, making it more personal and engaging. Cultural nuances are vital in understanding how these jokes land, ensuring the message is both funny and respectful.

Types of Humor in Belated Birthday Wishes

Belated birthday wishes frequently employ various comedic techniques. Understanding these techniques allows for the creation of more effective and engaging messages. These techniques range from playful teasing to subtle wordplay.

• Puns and Wordplay: Puns, which rely on a double meaning of a word or phrase, are a common choice. These can be simple or quite elaborate, depending on the relationship and the desired level of humor. For example, a wish might playfully say “Happy belated birthday! You’re still a year older, but at least you’re not a year
  -older*.” This relies on the double meaning of “older,” playing on the literal and metaphorical sense.

• Self-Deprecating Humor: Acknowledging the delay with a touch of self-deprecation can be very effective. For example, “So sorry I’m late with the wishes! My schedule got a little…
  -out of sync* with the calendar.” This approach makes the sender appear relatable and less formal.
• Situational Humor: Sometimes, the humor comes from the circumstances surrounding the belated wish. Perhaps the sender had an unusual reason for the delay, creating a humorous anecdote. For instance, “My apologies for the late birthday wishes! I was lost in a time warp. I’ve finally emerged, and now I’m here to wish you the best!”

Cultural Nuances in Hindi Belated Wishes

The cultural context in which the humor is presented is crucial. Humor in Hindi, like in any language, relies heavily on shared understanding and context.

Humorous Approach	Example (English Translation)	Cultural Nuance (Hindi Context)
Sarcasm	“Oh, I completely forgot! My apologies for being soefficient* with my time management!”	Sarcasm can be effective, but it needs to be carefully used. It’s important to understand the receiver’s personality and the relationship.
Wordplay (on Hindi phrases)	“Happy belated birthday! You’re still one year wiser, just a little bit late*.”	Using Hindi idioms or phrases in the pun adds an extra layer of humor and cultural relevance.
Self-deprecating jokes (Hindi Context)	“I’m so sorry! It seems my brain cells were on vacation, and my schedule was in a holiday mood!”	Self-deprecation, common in Indian culture, can be particularly well-received in this context.

Creative Expressions for Belated Birthdays: Funny Belated Birthday Wishes In Hindi

A belated birthday wish, delivered with a touch of creativity, can truly stand out. It’s more than just a greeting; it’s a thoughtful gesture that shows you care, even if the celebration is a bit late. A unique and heartfelt expression can leave a lasting positive impression.A well-crafted belated birthday message, whether in Hindi or any other language, reflects the warmth and sincerity of your feelings.

The use of poetic language, metaphors, and figurative expressions elevates the message from a simple greeting to a memorable experience for the recipient. Incorporating a surprise element or a nostalgic touch can further enhance the impact.

Categorizing Creative Expressions

A thoughtful approach to a belated birthday wish is to categorize your message. This helps structure your thoughts and ensures a more personalized touch. This allows you to tailor your expression to the recipient’s personality and your relationship with them. For example, if you are expressing your wish to a close friend, a lighthearted and humorous approach might be perfect.

If it is a more formal relationship, a more elegant and refined tone would be suitable.

Category	Example (Hindi)	Explanation
Nostalgic & Reflective	“जैसे बीते हुए दिनों की यादें, तुम्हारे जन्मदिन की याद भी हमेशा दिल में बनी रहेगी।” (Jaise bite hue dino ki yaaden, tumhare janmdin ki yaad bhi hamesha dil mein bani rahegi.)	This evokes a sense of longing for past memories, associating the birthday with cherished recollections. The phrase uses a simile to compare the enduring memory of the birthday to the lasting impact of past experiences.
Poetic & Metaphorical	“आपका जन्मदिन, एक नया सूरज की तरह है, जो हमारे जीवन में रोशनी लाता है।” (Aapka janmdin, ek naya surj ki tarah hai, jo hamare jeevan mein roshni laata hai.)	This uses a powerful metaphor, comparing the birthday to the rising sun, signifying new beginnings and illumination. The imagery is vivid and evokes a sense of positivity.
Humorous & Playful	“बाद में ही सही, लेकिन हम आपके जन्मदिन की खुशियों में शामिल हैं! आपके लिए खास बधाईयाँ!” (Baad mein hi sahi, lekin hum aapke janmdin ki khushiyon mein shamil hain! Aapke liye khas badhaiyan!)	This adopts a lighthearted tone, acknowledging the lateness of the wish while expressing joy. The phrase emphasizes the special nature of the belated celebration.
Surprising & Unexpected	“तुमने अपने जन्मदिन के बारे में भूल ही गए थे, पर हमने याद रखा! आपके जन्मदिन की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं।” (Tumne apne janmdin ke baare mein bhool hi gaye the, par humne yaad rakha! Aapke janmdin ki bahut-bahut shubhkamnaen.)	This message is designed to surprise the recipient with its unexpected nature, making it memorable. It subtly highlights the sender’s attentiveness.

Examples of Incorporation

Adding elements of surprise or nostalgia can transform a simple belated wish into a unique expression. Consider these techniques:

• Include a personal anecdote related to the recipient’s birthday or a shared memory.
• Mention a specific detail from the past that relates to the birthday.
• Use a unique and unexpected font or layout for the message.
• Include a small, thoughtful gift with the message.

These techniques can create a stronger emotional connection and make the belated wish more impactful. By combining elements of surprise, nostalgia, and creative language, you can express your wishes in a truly unique and memorable way.

Contextual Considerations for Belated Wishes

A belated birthday wish, delivered with the right touch, can brighten someone’s day, regardless of the delay. Timing is key, and understanding the nuances of different situations allows you to craft a message that’s genuinely appreciated. Consider the context – is it a close friend, a distant relative, or a colleague? The message should reflect the relationship and the reason for the delay.Offering a belated birthday wish demonstrates consideration and thoughtfulness, which are universally appreciated.

A thoughtful message can bridge the gap between the actual birthday and the belated greeting, making the recipient feel valued. The key is to be sincere and show you care. Remember, the message is about the connection, not the precise date.

Situations Requiring Belated Wishes

Understanding the context of the belated wish is paramount. Different situations demand different approaches. Perhaps a scheduling conflict prevented you from sending a timely greeting, or maybe you simply missed the date. Regardless of the reason, your message should be sincere and heartfelt.

• Missed Birthday Celebrations: This is the most common reason for belated wishes. You might have been out of touch, traveling, or simply preoccupied. The tone should be apologetic yet warm. A brief explanation for the delay, such as “I’m so sorry I missed your birthday; I was out of town,” is acceptable and will be well-received.
• Late Discoveries: Sometimes, you might discover the birthday after it has passed. The message should be sincere and express your good wishes, acknowledging the delay. A simple “Happy belated birthday!” with a friendly comment is suitable.
• Special Occasions with Birthdays: If the birthday falls within a hectic period, such as a holiday or a major event, a belated wish shows you remember the occasion and the person.

Relationship-Based Considerations

The tone and wording of your belated birthday wishes should be tailored to the relationship you share with the recipient. This demonstrates respect and consideration.

• Close Friends: A casual, lighthearted message works best. You can include inside jokes or playful references to lighten the mood. “Sorry I missed your birthday! Hope you had a great one anyway!” is a good example.
• Family Members: A more formal, yet warm, approach is appropriate. A message expressing love and appreciation, such as “Happy belated birthday, loved one! Wishing you all the best,” will be well-received.
• Colleagues: A professional, yet friendly, tone is essential. A simple “Happy belated birthday! Hope you had a wonderful day” conveys respect and good wishes. Avoid overly casual language.

Impact of Social Media

Social media has significantly impacted how people convey belated birthday wishes. A quick message on a platform like WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram is a convenient way to reach out to a wide range of people.

• Ease of Communication: Social media facilitates quick and easy communication, enabling you to send a belated wish with just a few taps. This is particularly useful for distant relatives or friends.
• Broader Reach: Social media platforms allow you to share your wishes with a larger audience. This can be particularly helpful for close friends or family members.
• Casual Nature: The casual nature of social media lends itself well to informal belated birthday wishes. Use emojis or GIFs to add a touch of humor or warmth.

Crafting Engaging Content for Social Media

Making belated birthday wishes pop on social media requires a blend of heartfelt messages and visually captivating presentation. The key is to create a post that not only conveys your well-wishes but also encourages interaction and shares the sentiment with a wider audience. Think of it as a digital card that’s both beautiful and memorable.Engaging social media posts are more than just words; they’re a visual experience.

Visual elements like images, GIFs, and emojis can greatly enhance the impact of your message, turning a simple wish into a vibrant celebration. This section delves into strategies for crafting such posts, focusing on visual appeal and interaction.

Visual Appeal and Engagement

Visual elements are crucial for capturing attention on social media. A well-chosen image or GIF can significantly improve the impact of your belated birthday wish. Consider these factors:

• Image Selection: Choose an image that resonates with the recipient’s personality or interests. If the recipient loves a particular sport, a relevant image would work well. A funny picture, a captivating landscape, or a symbolic image can all add a personal touch.
• Image Descriptions: The description below the image is your chance to add context and personality. Instead of simply saying “Happy belated birthday!”, use a phrase that reflects the image. For example, if the image is a cake, write something like, “Hope you had a fantastic belated birthday celebration! Wishing you all the best!” or if the image is a photo of a fun activity, you could write, “Happy belated birthday to the amazing [recipient’s name]! So glad to celebrate with you!”
• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals to tell a story. Perhaps you’re sharing a fond memory or highlighting a shared interest. This will make the wish more personal and engaging. For example, if you’re sharing a picture of a group of friends, write, “Celebrating [recipient’s name]’s belated birthday with all our favourite people! Happy belated birthday!”.

Using GIFs and Memes

Humor is a great way to make a belated wish stand out. GIFs and memes can inject a touch of levity and personality into your post.

• Choosing the Right GIF/Meme: Select a GIF or meme that aligns with the tone of your wish and the recipient’s personality. A funny GIF related to a shared inside joke will resonate much better than a generic meme.
• Humor Context: Ensure the GIF or meme is appropriate and relevant to the recipient and the situation. Avoid anything offensive or inappropriate.
• GIF/Meme Integration: Use the GIF or meme as a visual complement to your message. Don’t just paste it in; use it to enhance the sentiment. For example, if you’re using a GIF of someone surprised, you might add a line like, “Still can’t believe it’s [recipient’s name]’s belated birthday! Wishing you all the best!”.

Emoji Effectiveness

Emojis can add subtle nuances to your message, conveying emotions and tone in a quick and engaging way.

• Appropriate Emoji Selection: Choose emojis that accurately reflect the tone of your message. A happy birthday wish will use different emojis than a humorous one. Think about the emotions you want to evoke.
• Emoji Placement: Strategically place emojis within your message to emphasize certain words or phrases. A well-placed emoji can make your message stand out.
• Avoiding Emoji Overload: Don’t overuse emojis. Too many can detract from the message instead of enhancing it. Use emojis sparingly and thoughtfully to maximize their impact.

Structure of Belated Birthday Messages

A belated birthday wish, delivered with warmth and sincerity, can still bring a smile to the recipient’s face. Crafting a heartfelt message that acknowledges the delay while still expressing genuine joy is key. The structure of such messages, whether in verse or prose, impacts the delivery of the sentiment. A well-structured message, regardless of the format, ensures the recipient feels appreciated and understood.Different formats, from the simple and straightforward to the poetic and elaborate, can be used to convey belated birthday wishes.

The choice of structure should align with the relationship between the sender and receiver and the overall tone of the message. Understanding the different structures allows for a more effective and impactful communication of feelings.

Common Message Structures, Funny belated birthday wishes in hindi

Various structures are common for conveying belated birthday wishes, each with its own unique impact. The structure chosen often depends on the personal touch the sender wants to convey.

• Simple and Direct: This format is ideal for close friends and family. It directly expresses congratulations and acknowledgement of the delay. Example: “Happy belated birthday! I hope you had a wonderful day celebrating, even though it’s a bit late. Wishing you all the best!”
• Poetic and Evocative: This format, using verse or rhyming couplets, can add a touch of charm and creativity. Example: “Though time may lag, my wishes soar,
  Happy belated birthday, forevermore.
  May joy and laughter fill your day,
  With blessings, love, and delight, I pray.”
• Narrative and Engaging: This structure allows you to weave a story or anecdote related to the birthday person. Example: “Remembering that amazing time we [shared experience], I couldn’t let this birthday pass without wishing you a very happy belated one. Hope you had a fantastic celebration!”
• Humorous and Playful: This format, best suited for close friends, incorporates humor to lighten the tone and acknowledge the delay in a lighthearted manner. Example: “Oops, my apologies! I seem to have missed your birthday. Happy belated birthday! Hope you celebrated in style!”
• Formal and Respectful: For more formal relationships, this structure is appropriate. Example: “Please accept my belated wishes for a very happy birthday. I regret that I missed the occasion. I hope you had a memorable day.”

Comparison of Formats

Format	Strengths	Weaknesses	Best Suited For
Simple and Direct	Straightforward, easy to write	Can feel impersonal	Close friends, family
Poetic and Evocative	Creative, memorable	Might not be appropriate for all relationships	Close friends, family, romantic partners
Narrative and Engaging	Personal touch, creates connection	Requires more effort to craft	Close friends, family, colleagues with a personal connection
Humorous and Playful	Lighthearted, engaging	May not be suitable for all relationships	Close friends, family, colleagues with a good rapport
Formal and Respectful	Appropriate for professional or distant relationships	Can sound stiff or impersonal	Colleagues, superiors, distant relatives

Illustrative Examples of Belated Birthday Wishes

A belated birthday wish, delivered with the right tone and touch, can show genuine care and appreciation. Whether you’re close friends, family, or colleagues, a heartfelt message can bridge the gap of time and still convey your warm sentiments. This section provides practical examples to help you craft the perfect belated birthday greeting in Hindi.

Examples of Belated Birthday Wishes in Hindi

These examples showcase a range of styles, from simple and sweet to humorous and engaging, catering to different recipient relationships.

• For a close friend: “दोस्त, तुम्हारा जन्मदिन थोड़ा लेट हो गया, लेकिन मेरा प्यार और शुभकामनाएँ तुम्हारे साथ हमेशा हैं। उम्मीद है कि तुम्हारा दिन बहुत खास रहा होगा।” (Dost, tumhara janmdin thoda late ho gaya, lekin mera pyar aur shubhkamnaen tumhare saath hamesha hain. Umeed hai ki tumhara din bahut khas raha hoga.)
  -This is a simple, heartfelt wish expressing regret for the delay but emphasizing enduring affection.

  It uses informal language suitable for close friends.

• For a family member: “माँ, आपका जन्मदिन बहुत-बहुत मुबारक हो! थोड़ा देर से ही सही, लेकिन मेरी शुभकामनाएँ आपकी खुशी के साथ हैं। आशा है कि आपका दिन बहुत अच्छा बीता होगा।” (Maa, aapka janmdin bahut-bahut mubarak ho! Thoda der se hi sahi, lekin meri shubhkamnaen aapki khushi ke saath hain. Aasha hai ki aapka din bahut achcha bita hoga.)
  -This wish uses respectful language, appropriate for addressing a mother or other family members.

  It acknowledges the lateness but focuses on the recipient’s happiness.

• For a colleague: “प्रिय [Name], आपके जन्मदिन की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएँ! थोड़ा देर से ही सही, लेकिन मेरी हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ आपके साथ हैं। आशा है कि आपका दिन शानदार रहा होगा।” (Priya [Name], aapke janmdin ki bahut-bahut shubhkamnaen! Thoda der se hi sahi, lekin meri hardhik shubhkamnaen aapke saath hain. Aasha hai ki aapka din shanadar raha hoga.)
  – This example is suitable for colleagues.

  It’s formal but friendly, maintaining professional decorum while conveying warm wishes.

• Humorous Example: “अरे, [Name], तुम्हारा जन्मदिन बहुत देर से मनाया, लेकिन फिर भी, जन्मदिन मुबारक हो! अब जल्दी से [favourite food] खाने का वक्त है!” (Are, [Name], tumhara janmdin bahut der se manaaya, lekin fir bhi, janmdin mubarak ho! Ab jaldi se [favourite food] khane ka waqt hai!)
  -This is a playful and lighthearted wish, suitable for close friends. It uses humor to express belated greetings.

Incorporating Personal Touches and Anecdotes

Adding personal details or anecdotes makes the wish more meaningful and engaging.

• Instead of a generic “Happy Birthday,” recall a specific memory or inside joke shared with the recipient. For example, “याद है वो बारिश में [activity], तुम्हारी हंसी सुनकर कितना अच्छा लगा था! जन्मदिन मुबारक हो!” (Yaad hai woh barish mein [activity], tumhari hansi sunkar kitna achcha laga tha! Janmdin mubarak ho!) This example links the wish to a shared experience, making it more personal.

Using Idioms and Proverbs

Idioms and proverbs can add depth and cultural richness to your belated birthday wishes.

• For example, “जन्मदिन मुबारक हो, [Name]! ‘दिल की बात, दिल तक पहुँचती है’, और मेरी शुभकामनाएँ आपके दिल तक पहुँचेंगी।” (Janmdin mubarak ho, [Name]! Dil ki baat, dil tak pahunchti hai, aur meri shubhkamnaen aapke dil tak pahunchengi.)
  -This example uses a proverb to express the sincerity of the wishes.

Table of Examples by Category

This table organizes the examples based on recipient relationship and tone.

Category	Example	Tone
Close Friend	“दोस्त, तुम्हारा जन्मदिन थोड़ा लेट हो गया, लेकिन मेरा प्यार और शुभकामनाएँ तुम्हारे साथ हमेशा हैं।”	Casual, Affectionate
Family Member	“माँ, आपका जन्मदिन बहुत-बहुत मुबारक हो! थोड़ा देर से ही सही, लेकिन मेरी शुभकामनाएँ आपकी खुशी के साथ हैं।”	Formal, Respectful
Colleague	“प्रिय [Name], आपके जन्मदिन की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएँ! थोड़ा देर से ही सही, लेकिन मेरी हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ आपके साथ हैं।”	Formal, Friendly
Humorous	“अरे, [Name], तुम्हारा जन्मदिन बहुत देर से मनाया, लेकिन फिर भी, जन्मदिन मुबारक हो!”	Playful, Lighthearted

Addressing Specific Situations

A belated birthday wish, delivered thoughtfully, can convey genuine care and warmth. The right words, tailored to the specific situation, make all the difference. Choosing the appropriate tone and phrasing can significantly impact the recipient’s perception of your message.Knowing the nuances of the situation allows you to craft a message that resonates with the recipient and reinforces the sincerity of your feelings.

Consider the relationship with the birthday person, the reason for the delay, and the overall context of the occasion.

Missed a Birthday

Remembering a birthday, even after the fact, is a thoughtful gesture. The tone and language you use will depend on your relationship with the recipient.

• Close Friend: “Hey [Friend’s Name], So sorry I missed your birthday! Hope you had a fantastic day, belated happy birthday! Catch you soon!”
• Colleague: “Happy belated birthday, [Colleague’s Name]! I hope you had a wonderful day. Apologies for missing your special day.”
• Family Member: “Happy belated birthday, [Family Member’s Name]! I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there to celebrate with you. Thinking of you today.”

Celebrating a Shared Experience

A belated birthday wish can be a way to acknowledge a shared experience. Tailor your message to reflect the occasion or shared memory.

• If you went out for dinner the day after: “Happy belated birthday, [Friend’s Name]! That dinner last night was great! So glad we could celebrate, even if a little late.”
• If you missed a pre-birthday get-together: “Happy belated birthday, [Friend’s Name]! So sorry I missed the pre-birthday party. Hope you had a blast!”
• If you celebrated together after the birthday: “Happy belated birthday, [Friend’s Name]! It was so great celebrating with you last night. Hope you had an amazing day!”

Addressing a Significant Delay

Sometimes, a delay in sending a birthday wish might stem from a legitimate reason, such as a personal issue or a significant life event. Expressing your sincere apologies and adding a personal touch to your message can help soften the impact of the delay.

• Example: “Happy belated birthday, [Friend’s Name]! I’m so sorry for the delay. I was dealing with something personal and couldn’t get in touch. Hope you had a wonderful day celebrating!”